Discover the innovative and sustainable design of the LUISS Guido Carli University Campus Hub in Rome, designed by Alvisi Kirimoto + Partners and Studio Gemma, blending architecture and nature to create a versatile educational environment.
Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Rome’s Parioli district, the LUISS Guido Carli University Campus Hub stands as a testament to sustainable design and innovation. Designed by Alvisi Kirimoto + Partners and Studio Gemma, this 1,500 sqm educational space has earned the prestigious LEED Platinum Certification, showcasing how architecture can harmoniously blend with its natural surroundings.
The project involved the demolition of an existing shed, construction from scratch, and the expansion of an educational building. Positioned at the most picturesque and accessible point of the campus, the hub connects with the surrounding treetops and evokes the classic tree house, with custom-designed spaces for students to enjoy a “homely” atmosphere.
The ground floor houses the entrance, a classroom, and service areas, while the upper floor features a theater and two classrooms. The hub’s transparent and permeable skin allows the building to seamlessly dissolve into the landscape, emphasizing the connection between architecture and nature.
The interiors have been thoughtfully designed to ensure versatility, hosting various educational activities, cultural, artistic, and social events, from conferences to film screenings. The amphitheater, designed for multiple uses, and classrooms, equipped with sophisticated audiovisual conferencing systems, redefine the balance between face-to-face teaching and remote learning.
A cross-flight staircase connects the two levels internally via a double-height space, with an additional staircase connecting the first floor to the outside. Clad in natural wood slats and glass, the upper floor projects the building into the treetops, offering a dynamic cross-section of the activities occurring inside.
The colors, textures, and materials were carefully chosen to harmonize with the natural surroundings. The warm nuances of wood, metal cladding, and scratched plaster create a balanced interplay of references and contrasts. Suspended acoustic panels in a striking coral red color define the false ceiling of the amphitheater, enhancing the dialogue with the adjacent grove.
The same vibrant red characterizes the furnishings and some elements of the classrooms, providing visual coherence throughout the complex, particularly when illuminated in the early evening. The outdoor spaces have been redesigned with stabilized gravel flooring, and a shaded deck path connects the grove area with the main square.
Equipped for study, informal meetings, relaxation, and play, these outdoor areas offer endless possibilities for social interaction and flexibility in use. The LUISS Guido Carli University Campus Hub, designed by Alvisi Kirimoto and Studio Gemma, stands as a focal point of life on the university campus, exemplifying the seamless integration of architecture, nature, and sustainable design principles.
