Science Forest – Museo della Scienza di Roma, Rome Italy by ADAT Studio

Article Source: Ross Belfer

ADAT Studio competed against 70 international and Italian architecture firms, and presented an innovative design scheme that adheres to the strongest sustainability measures, whilst creating an architectural marvel that will infuse new life and experiences to the evolving Flaminio district of Rome, which is known as an area with examples of modern and historical architecture in Rome, from 1930s rationalist buildings to structures built for the 1960 Olympics that reflect that decade’s urban-planning philosophy to 21st-century award-winning sites.

ADAT Studio’s presentation was approved by a jury consisting of the world’s most prestigious architects and industry experts – including Daniel Libeskind, Benedetta Tagliabue, Fokke Moerel, Alessandro D’Onofrio. The brief was conceived by the Scientific Commission, which is chaired by Nobel Prize-winning Prof. Giorgio Parisi.

Project Credits
Lead Architect: ADAT Studio (Antonio Atripaldi and Andrea Debilio)
With: Luca Galli, Michele Sacchi, Filippo Testa e Laura Zevi
Landscape: P’Arcnouveau
Engineering: WSP
GFA:  19,000-square-meter

The 19,000-square-meter Science Forest will become a hub for citizens and researchers, and a new open community that surpasses conventional boundaries between public and private, natural and artificial, past and future. The complex blends into the urban fabric and future developments, connecting with neighboring projects such as Flaminio Urban Project and the new MAXXI – Green MAXXI and MAXXI hub. The design will preserve the pre-existing walls of Rome’s SMMEP (Military Establishment of Precision Electronic Materials), exemplifying a unique approach to adaptive use architecture. Simultaneously, the interior of the building defines a new public urban park merging with the adjacent planned park area.

Construction of the 8,100 square-meter (approx 26,575 square-foot) cultural and educationalcenter is schedule to open in 2027, and based around an open-air building that will redefine thetraditional museum experience

An on-demand gallery and areas for research and management support the new terrace, offering a bufferzone for open-air exhibitions that fades the threshold between the existing volume and glass surfaces.Technological capsules of various shapes and sizes appear to float above the park, supported by a forestof artificial trees and connected by glazed bridges.

Science Forest is a sustainable project that extends beyond environmental considerations.Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the “DNSH” principle, itaddresses environmental, institutional, and socio-economic challenges, integrating climatechange mitigation solutions with a focus on reducing the carbon footprint.

Design choices encompass conserving the existing façade, using polycarbonate panels forroofing, adopting lightweight facades, and employing sustainable materials like Glulamwood. These choices aim at an 80% reduction in embodied carbon.

For museum operation, strategies involve passive design, polycarbonate roofing for thermaltransmission reduction, and a mixed ventilation system with heat recovery.

Integrated PV panels will cover approximately 23% of the museum’;s energy needs. Energy-saving measures also include a BEMS control center, LED lighting with sensor control, real-time monitoring of consumption peaks, VAV valves linked to presence, CO2, and VOCSensors. Recycled materials contribute to a circular economy, minimizing waste. Water conservation involves rainwater use and advanced irrigation. Biodiversity protection is integrated through a covered park, promoting environmental education. Inspired by LEED and WELL principles, the project strives for GOLD/PLATINUM certification, reflecting a commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency, and well-being. The holistic approach ensures that Science Forest stands as a beacon of environmental stewardship and  nnovation.

“We are thrilled to be commissioned to design and manifest what is undoubtedly one of the mostimportant cultural buildings and urban projects in Rome in the last decade,” says ADAT Studio PartnerAndrea Debilio. “We believe that ADAT Studio’’s acute attention to thought-provoking design and thechampioning of 21st century environmental measures will result in a museum that can truly elevateeducational and cultural experiences in Rome.”

“It is a true honor to have won a rigorous and competitive tender with Daniel Libeskind, one of the world’sgreatest and most influential architects, on the jury,” says Antonio Atripaldi, Partner of ADAT Studio.“Beyond our architectural vision, we aim to catapult our home city of Rome into the spotlight as a worldleader and innovator in contemporary cultural spaces and experiences.”

The Science Museum of Rome in total will span 5,000 square-meters (approx. 16,404 square-feet) of newindoor exhibition space and 2,000 square-meters (approx. 6,561-square-feet) of landscaped outdoorareas suitable for hosting exhibitions and events. A 1,100-square-meter (approx. 3,608 square-feet)research center, reception, ticketing areas, offices storage areas, services and restrooms will also beconstructed in the final project.

Tags: Italy, Rome

Categories: Art Center, Art Gallery, Museum

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