For the opening of a new showroom belonging to Benetton Group S.p.a. in the building of Ex Unione Militare in Rome, it was requested a complete renovation an refurbishment of the interior spaces and vertical connections for commercial use.  During the performance of the services, a Roman republican archaeological find was discovered, making it necessary to carry out some project variance analysis; such finding enhanced the historical-artistic value of the edifice and further bound the renovation works.

For its position in the city centre of Rome, at the crossroad between Via del Corso and Via Tomacelli, this project enhances the area in terms of modern architecture, coupling with the project for the new Ara Pacis museum complex by Richard Meier, located at the opposite end of Via Tomacelli.

Due to the strong historical relevance of the edifice, built in the late nineteenth century, and of the surrounding area, the external works concerned only the restoration of the façades and the consolidation of the existing perimeter wall foundations. Differently, the internal part was thoroughly modified, by means of the complete demolition and reconstruction of every floor along with the bearing structures, while keeping unchanged the number of floors.

Finally, the core of the building is the “light well”, a wrapping skin frame realized in steel and transparent, non-coloured, highly light absorbing glass, to reduce the impact on the skyline of the city centre. The structure, visible through the full height of the building, encloses any vertical connection, system and service space, running through all the floors. The “light well” culminates on the roof terrace, that was completely cleared of any existing superfetation, with a dome-shaped structure, also realized in glass and steel, that houses a charming location for exclusive events with direct view on the city.