Former NATO Pavilion: Rationalist Rigor and Modernity in Rome’s EUR District

In Rome’s EUR district, where the Rationalist legacy continues to dictate architectural rhythm and proportion, the renovation of the former NATO Pavilion by IT’S for Microsoft’s new headquarters stands out for its rigor and precision. As outlined by partner Alessandro Cambi, the approach focuses on achieving a measured balance between preserving the original building’s identity and establishing a coherent dialogue with its context.

Between heritage and contemporary reinterpretation

The design is an exercise in abstraction and synthesis. The district’s typical color palettes, modular rhythms, and recurring motifs form a design grammar, reinterpreted through a contemporary language, where the glass facade serves as a performative element. Horizontal projections do more than establish a recognizable rhythm; they introduce a shifting interplay of shadow and light, restoring the building’s dynamic relationship with the sky and the surrounding urban landscape. This dialogue with the surroundings is underscored by the building’s proximity to the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana – the 20th-century icon known as the “Square Colosseum” – typically regarded as the defining archetype for the EUR’s monumental scale.

On the ground floor, the conversion of the podium from a residual parking area into an accessible landscaped terrace is a key feature of the design. The project goes beyond renovation to redefine the threshold between the building and the city. By introducing new access points and pathways that connect the podium to the street, the design eliminates physical barriers and improves permeability. “We imagined this space as a vibrant, permeable new urban grade designed to redefine how people gather and experience the site,” explains project lead Marta Nardone. “To achieve this, we introduced trees in large soil-filled planters, pedestrian paths, a stepped amphitheater for events, and a café.”

Sustainability and flexibility as guiding principles

The building stands out for its high environmental performance. The roof-integrated photovoltaic system and natural ventilation, facilitated by the open plan and operable facade modules, have earned the building LEED Platinum certification.

Inside, the layout supports adaptive, flexible use tailored to contemporary workflows. The service core acts as an anchor, around which flexible spaces are organized to accommodate changing user needs.

The project builds upon the firm’s previous renovation of the adjacent office building. This earlier phase included a redesigned roofline that establishes a new relationship with its setting. Reflective materials on the roof’s soffit amplify natural light and expand the perception of space. Meanwhile, additional photovoltaic systems ensure a consistent approach to sustainability across the campus, which has been recognized with LEED Gold certification.

Overall, the project restores the symbolic weight and urban quality of this significant site within the EUR district. By balancing its Rationalist heritage with contemporary innovation, the former NATO Pavilion adapts to its new role without losing its historic character.

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