Rome’s urban landscape is set to be reimagined with the transformative “La Città della Gioia” masterplan, winner of an international competition to redevelop the former Ex Fiera trade fair site. Designed by ACPV ARCHITECTS in collaboration with Parcnouveau, ARUP, and Asset, the masterplan will shape an inclusive, community-centered, and sustainable neighborhood, enhancing Rome’s social fabric while embracing an innovative urban model.
This visionary project, led by Antonio Citterio and Patricia Viel, co-founders of ACPV ARCHITECTS, aims to reclaim and revitalize an underutilized area, creating a pedestrian-friendly and vibrant space that reflects Rome’s evolving urban landscape. The design carefully bridges the metropolitan pulse of Via Cristoforo Colombo with the intimate atmosphere of the surrounding residential streets, restoring the area as a dynamic hub for residents and visitors alike.
“By opening the Ex Fiera site to the community, we’re creating a new centrality,” Citterio shares. “Our objective is to return this space as a resource for the city, one where the public realm becomes a shared, intergenerational experience.” With this holistic approach, the masterplan dedicates 50% of the land to green spaces and community services, ensuring that residents can thrive in a lively, nature-integrated environment.
Margherita Brianza of Parcnouveau elaborates on the “active green” concept, which emphasizes personal expression alongside communal well-being. “Our focus is on nurturing connections and a profound reconnection with nature,” Brianza explains. This perspective is embedded in Parcnouveau’s “Landscapes for People” philosophy, which prioritizes spaces that foster social bonds and support community wellness through biophilic principles.
Arup’s contributions bring a strong focus on sustainability, as Paolo Cresci highlights the project’s commitment to ecological and social resilience. Designed to achieve decarbonization and climate resilience, the masterplan envisions a green urban corridor linking Via C. Colombo to nearby residential areas, fostering seamless transitions between the city’s diverse spaces. Arup’s Sara Candiracci underscores that this design prioritizes inclusivity, with special attention given to the needs of all ages and abilities, aiming to inspire creativity, social interaction, and learning through playful environments.
The design connects urban and natural elements, creating meeting spots, cultural hubs, and avenues lined with trees and pedestrian-friendly paths. Sergio Pasanisi of Asset shares his hope for the project: “This masterplan will mend the separation between Via Cristoforo Colombo and adjacent neighborhoods, respecting the area’s historical character while infusing it with a new vitality.” Through a series of thoughtfully designed public spaces, “La Città della Gioia” aims to cultivate community, inspire well-being, and set a new standard for urban regeneration in Rome.
