new science museum's open green galleries diffuse into the urban fabric of rome

New Public Science Forest hub in Italy redefines museum design

ADAT Studio, the Rome-based architectural firm founded by Antonio Atripaldi and Andrea Debilio, introduces Science Forest, an urban intervention in Italy. The open building redefines the museum experience by creating a public and shared space that focuses on the relationship between history, humanity, and nature. The museum becomes a hub for citizens and researchers, 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 preserves the existing walls of the SMMEP (Military Establishment of Precision Electronic Materials).

At the same time, the interior of the building defines a new public urban park merging with the adjacent planned park area. Spaces on the ground floor will be accessible to everyone, featuring a double-height foyer, a cafeteria, a bookshop, and a restaurant. Along with the urban forest open to the city, these areas form a ‘diffuse gallery’ for hosting exhibitions, events, and science-related meetings.

all images courtesy of ADAT Studio

Bridging History, Humanity, and Nature

The project by ADAT Studio aims to change the way knowledge, nature and history engage in a constant dialogue. Science Forest becomes a place for gathering, studying and encouraging debates. An on-demand gallery and areas for research and management support the new terrace, offering a buffer zone for open-air exhibitions that fades the threshold between the existing volume and the glass surface. Technological capsules of various shapes and sizes appear to float above the park, supported by a forest of artificial trees and connected by glazed bridges. The building is protected by a semi-transparent, open skin that allows natural ventilation and enhances the chimney effect. The roof and the south elevation are covered with PV panels, ensuring the mass production of energy for the building. Conceived as a passive bioclimatic box, the museum offers visitors an experience with plant communities in a new ecosystem. The architecture and landscape arise from a holistic approach, enhancing the biological interactions with flora, fauna, and other organisms.

The Museo della Scienza di Roma project aims to attain a high level of certification according to LEED® and WELL® protocols to guarantee optimal comfort conditions and reduce energy consumption. The expected start of the work is scheduled for 2025.

the open museum forms a public space that focuses on the relationship between history, humanity, and nature

the complex blends into the urban fabric and future developments and connects with neighboring projects

the museum becomes a new open hub for citizens and researchers that surpasses conventional boundaries

the building is protected by a semi-transparent, open skin that allows natural ventilation

exploded axonometric drawing of Science Forest’s proposal

project info:

name: Science Forest
architect: ADAT Studio | @adatstudio

design team: Luca Galli, Michele Sacchi, Filippo Testa e Laura Zevi

landscape: P’Arcnouveau

engineering: WSP

fire consulting, safety: GAe

location: Rome, Italy

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom