Four years after winning a competition to rebuild 71 Via Boncompagni in the heart of Rome, MAD Architects has been awarded approval and will now enter the implementation phase of their first European project. This approval will allow the Chinese practice to transform an incongruous 1970s commercial courtyard building into a 145-unit residential complex that reutilizes the building’s “bookshelf” structure by stripping away its facade and inserting new living quarters, giving it an entirely new look and function.
“After realigning the existing structural system, the building will contain a ‘bookshelf’ structure,” says MAD. “145 residential units of various sizes and layouts, ranging from studios to urban villas with facades made of custom metal and glass, will be intricately inserted into this 8-level concrete ‘bookshelf’ system. The full height curved glass windows shift and protrude in a controlled choreography between the floor slabs. The ‘voids’ between the glass and the framework will be transformed into gardens and balconies, bringing natural elements and sunlight into the living areas."
“Residents can see the interior courtyard through a hazy façade made of translucent metallic curtains. The existing modern garden will be transformed into an abstract one with a vast pond at the center that reflects the bordering trees and the sky above. Natural sunlight filters through voids in the pond and the surrounding garden, streaming through to the ramp of the underground garage below.”
MAD adds, “Contemporary living in a museum-like city like Rome is often hidden behind its historical facades. Through this adaptive rebuild project, this ‘open’ building will be able to return vitality and urban living to the traditional neighborhood.”
Competition
71 Via BoncompagniAward
First PrizeArchitects
Location
Via Boncompagni, 71, 00187 Roma, ItalyDirectors in Charge
Ma Yansong, Dang Qun, Yosuke HayanoAssociate Partner in Charge
Andrea D’AntrassiDesign Team
Zhao Wei, Achille Tortini, Gustavo van Staveren, Giannantonio Bongiorno, Jei Kim, Elin ThorisdottirUrban Planner
Studio BusnengoLocal Architect
I.SI. EngineerStructural Engineering
Tecnic Consulting Engineer S.P.A.General Coordination
Ing. Sergio SchisaniSite Area
6,268 sqmBuilding Height
28.5 mArea
20000.0 sqmProject Year
2017Photographs
MAD ArchitectsCompetition
71 Via BoncompagniAward
First PrizeLocation
Via Boncompagni, 71, 00187 Roma, ItalyProject Year
2017Photographs
Courtesy of MAD ArchitectsArea
20000.0 m2
