Next to the Villa Ada park in Rome, the new hub, which stands tall among the surrounding treetops, was designed by Alvisi Kirimoto and Studio Gemma
Surrounded by greenery, the new hub for the prestigious LUISS Guido Carli University is located near the Villa Ada park in Rome’s Parioli district. The venue was designed by Alvisi Kirimoto and Studio Gemma. The main part of the building, which spans two levels and is surrounded by greenery, is suspended off the ground: the ground floor is almost totally void, while the classrooms and large auditorium sit among the treetops.
The exceptionally versatile interiors are designed to host a wide range of teaching activities and cultural, artistic and social events, from conferences and lessons to cinema gala evenings. The auditorium—suitable for multiple uses—and classrooms—designed to strike a new balance between in-person teaching and distance learning—are equipped with highly sophisticated audio/video-conference systems. The sophisticated, versatile and high-tech rooms and the cosy treehouse-like feel of the building were the main inspirations driving the interior design, complemented perfectly by the Mura armchairs and E5000 study desks.
LAMM’s compact solution (designed by Gino Gamberini), which in its original version won the prestigious Compasso d’Oro award, makes the auditorium both functional and versatile. Installed in both flat and sloping curved rows, the chairs—227 in total—are equipped with tip-up writing tablets. These can be stowed away into a 30 cm-deep side panel with a discreet and easily accessible electrical socket at the front. In the last row, the two blocks with wheels—one with three seats and one with two—can be removed with ease. Thanks to the special gravity-driven system, the chair closes in a controlled and very quiet way: the backrest returns to a vertical position, reducing the space taken up by the armchair and maximising the space between the rows as a result. This feature facilitates both user traffic and cleaning and maintenance.
At ground level, there are 140 modular E5000 study desks, designed by Orlandini design, installed in straight rows. Equipped with a tip-up top, as well as a seat, backrest and panels in black HPL laminated plywood by Abet Laminati, these have components made from FSC®-certified wood. The first row is complete with floor-length panels. The electrical raceways, concealed within the structure, make the system suitable for modern teaching needs.
Inspired by sustainable design principles and made using natural materials, the building has received LEED Platinum certification.
Project: Università LUISS Guido Carli
Location: Rome, Italy
Client: Luiss Guido Carli
Architects: Alvisi Kirimoto and Studio Gemma Progettazione
Year: 2022
LAMM Dealer: Corridi Srl
LAMM supply:
227 MURA armchairs – Gino Gamberini
140 E5000 study benches – Orlandini Design
Photographer: Marco Cappelletti