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Just a stone’s throw from Piazza del Popolo in the vibrant heart of Rome, a 1920s Neo-Renaissance building recently underwent a major renovation and conservative restoration to create Banca Ifis’s new executive headquarters. Winner of a competition announced by the client for the initial conceptual phase, Lissoni & Partners developed a design that treats the space not only as a workplace but also as an almost domestic setting, where clients are made to feel welcome.
The building, with four above-grade levels and a basement, has a total floor area of 680 sq. m. It includes various purpose-designed rooms, such as a boardroom, meeting room, and a breakfast room. As well as traditional offices, the project saw the creation of lounge areas, a winter garden, a professional kitchen for visiting chefs, a dining room for staff lunches and dinners, and a relaxation area on the top-floor terrace.
The conservative restoration of the exterior focused on cleaning the heritage-protected façade and replacing the window frames. Inside, historical details uncovered during construction guided many of the design choices. This saw the restoration of original features to their former splendor, including the vaulted ceiling in the reception area, arches, and niches.
Finishes were carefully selected, with marmorino plaster on the walls, and terrazzo and polished parquet flooring. The project is distinguished by extensive custom woodwork, with numerous walls finished in elegant timber paneling that reinterprets classically inspired details in contemporary style. Art also plays a key role in the interior design, with spaces and niches designed to accommodate works from the bank’s collection alongside contemporary design objects.
A distinctive element of the building is the sculptural wood-finished staircase, designed as a ribbon that spirals upward. The surrounding walls are illuminated by lamps adorned with historic design motifs reinterpreted by the architect. The furnishings include contemporary creations, iconic vintage pieces, carefully selected décor items, and imported rugs that contribute to an elegant atmosphere.
White and brown tones predominate, while abundant natural light further enhances the interiors. Finally, with the aim of obtaining LEED Gold and WELL certifications, the project incorporates a custom building automation system and a range of advanced technologies.
Banca Ifis’s new executive headquarters is not only a modern, functional workplace but it also fosters a welcoming, stimulating environment dedicated to employee interaction and collaboration through open-plan spaces and lounges in a true fusion of history, design, and innovation.
Location: Rome, Italy
Client: Banca Ifis
Completion: 2024
Gross Floor Area: 620 m2
Architect and Interior Designer: Lissoni & Partners
Main Contractor: Ricci
Consultants
Construction Project Manager, Structural, MEP/FP, HVAC, Safety Coordinator: Tekne
Lighting: Rossi Bianchi Lighting Design
Photography: Andrea Ferrari, courtesy of Lissoni & Partners
THE PLAN Interior Design & Contract 11 is the eleventh supplement that THE PLAN has dedicated to the world of interior architecture. The publication, out in September 2025 as a supplement to THE PLAN 164, looks at around twenty of the most important... Read More
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