1. Home
  2. Award 2024
  3. Public Space
  4. Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano, enhancing the sociocultural significance while preserving its historic essence

Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano, enhancing the sociocultural significance while preserving its historic essence

One Works

Public Space  /  Future
One Works

Following an international tender managed by Giubileo 2025 S.p.A., the project idea for revitalizing Piazza San Giovanni stemmed from a desire to enhance its sociocultural significance while preserving its historic essence. The concept evolved through merging tradition with contemporary design principles. The new Piazza San Giovanni is set to become a celebration of urban life, embracing functional safety, energy efficiency, and sustainable material management.

Piazza San Giovanni's redesign integrates seamlessly with its surroundings, honouring Rome's historical values while embracing modern urban necessities. The use of traditional Roman stones and water features pays homage to the city's heritage, while thoughtful lighting accentuates the grandeur of nearby landmarks that are known both locals and tourists coming to the area, including The Archbasilica of San Giovanni in Laterano – one of the oldest and highest ranking of the four major papal basilicas as well as one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome. Sensitively embodying joy and interaction, the piazza's architecture champions simplicity, and simultaneously enhance the sensory experience for visitors and residents alike.

Strategic decisions about design and materials are based on creating lasting economic and environmental benefits. By choosing strong, top-quality materials, we ensure that the square in Rome will endure as a valuable treasure and contribute to the city's charm as a top global destination. Sustainability is a key focus in our choice of materials, aiming to reuse and recycle 100% of them. This reflects Rome's commitment to being environmentally responsible and using resources wisely. Our technical choices prioritize safety, efficiency, and environmental awareness, aligning with Rome's C40 sustainability goals.

The revitalization of Piazza San Giovanni seeks to amplify the piazza’s sociocultural presence while preserving its iconic past as the city prepares for the upcoming 2025 Jubilee. Merging time-honoured tradition with contemporary design principles, the new Piazza San Giovanni is set to become a celebration of urban life, embracing functional safety, energy efficiency, and sustainable material management. The piazza’s design celebrates simplicity and honours Rome’s historical values by cleverly using water as an interactive element, bringing joy to both visitors and locals alike. Key features of the plan include: · Paving and Plants: The square will be paved in traditional Roman stones like Sanpietrino, Basaltina, and travertine, arranged in 'cosmatesque style'. Small areas of low vegetation will be interspersed to reduce heat and manage rainwater effectively. · Water Features: Playful water circles will be installed for enjoyment and to cool the square during Rome’s warm summers, improving the local climate. · Lighting: Carefully positioned lights will highlight the beauty of the Basilica’s facade, ensuring safety and creating an inviting atmosphere after dark. · Seating: Well-placed benches will provide places to rest and socialize, encouraging people to connect with each other and enjoy the surroundings to the fullest.

The revitalization will not be limited to the aesthetic aspect: the main objective is to highlight the centrality of the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, the religious and historical focal point of the square.

Credits

 Roma
 Italia
 Roma Capitale - Giubileo 2025 spa
 Piazza
 12/2024
 18.000 m2
 Confidential
 One Works
 Massimo Gallina, Lucas London, Federico Copelli, Francesca Sirtori, Marta Bonadeo, Laura Buran, Nicola Colella, Ludovica Crocitto, Dalma Napolitano, Michela Maretto, Sara Rubello, Paolo Solato, Giuseppe Solazzo.
 One Works (Lead Architect and Urban Designer; Structural Engineering); Energo (Electric Engineering); JML (Hydraulic Engineering); Laura Gatti Studio (Landscape)

Curriculum

One Works is a global design and consultancy firm, offering an integrated approach to architecture, engineering and urban planning. We believe in creating dynamic, intuitive and sustainable places where people and communities can connect with their environment, and with each other.
Collaboration, Creativity, Commitment and Passion are the key values that sit at the heart of everything we do.
We’re a team of diverse personalities with over 35 nationalities, each with unique skills, experience, and passion for what we do. We communicate closely with our clients, developing a deep and holistic understanding of their needs. We also continually invest in technology and training, to enhance the services we offer.
Over the years, we have grown long-term relationships with blue-chip multinationals and small enterprises alike, across a wide range of sectors. These relationships, we believe, are a testament to the success of our unique and carefully-crafted approach.

https://www.one-works.com


© Maggioli SpA • THE PLAN • Via del Pratello 8 • 40122 Bologna, Italy • T +39 051 227634 • P. IVA 02066400405 • ISSN 2499-6602 • E-ISSN 2385-2054
ITC Avant Garde Gothic® is a trademark of Monotype ITC Inc. registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and which may be registered in certain other jurisdictions.