Heaven sent: Studio Fuksas unites trade and tourism in the Cloud

The newly opened EUR Convention Hall and Hotel, also called the Cloud, is ‘the largest building in Rome in over 50 years’, state its architects, the renowned Studio Fuksas, led by husband-and-wife team Massimiliano and Doriana Fuksas.

The impressive multi-functional space certainly does not disappoint – and it's been on our radar since its early construction days, when it won our Best Building Site award in 2012. The eco-friendly complex is a mammoth of a project, comprising everything from auditoria, exhibition spaces and a hotel, to 55,000 sq m of public space, and bringing together trade and tourism in the Eternal City.

Located in Rome’s business district of EUR, the centre is divided into three distinct architectural concepts, explain the architects: the basement, the Theca and Cloud, and the Blade. These respectively host the main foyer, information point and congress and exhibition hall; the glass and metal clad public space for conferences, exhibitions and large-scale events, as well as an auditorium; and the 439-room hotel.

The centre is divided into three distinct conceptual (and physical) areas: the basement, the ‘Theca’ and ‘Cloud’, and the ‘Blade’. Photography: Moreno Maggi

The Cloud in particular is one of the complex’s most eye-catching design gestures. Its cocoon-like form sits hovering over the public areas, made of highly advanced membrane fibreglass and flame-retardant silicone.

High-tech applications also extend to the building’s environmental strategies, which include a natural ventilation system, a rainwater harvesting system and photovoltaic panels.

Studio Fuksas were also involved in many of the interiors choices – their red armchairs for Poltrona Frau, for example, are now installed in the complex’s main auditorium, while the architects also designed the scheme’s bespoke ‘Cloud’ lamp, which has been produced by iGuzzini.