Città della Gioia masterplan wins competition to redevelop Rome's former exhibition grounds

The winning masterplan for the redevelopment of Rome's former Fiera di Roma, named Città della Gioia after a novel by Dominique Lapierre, was presented in September 2024. The international competition was announced in February 2024. The project, designed by ACPV ARCHITECTS with ARUP, Asset, and P'arcnouveau, aims to transform the 40,000 sqm site into a predominantly residential complex with over 35,000 sqm of housing, including 7,000 sqm of social housing. The plan also includes offices for Roma Capitale, a training hub, and extensive green spaces, with 50% of the area dedicated to open public spaces. The old exhibition pavilions are slated for demolition in 2025. The project seeks to reconnect the site with the surrounding Garbatella and Tor Marancia parks, promoting ecological connectivity and active green spaces. The development has faced criticism regarding land value and sustainability, with Paolo Cresci of Arup Italia citing decarbonization and climate resilience goals. The site has been vacant since the new Fiera di Roma opened on Via Portuense in 2006, and the area has suffered from neglect and illegal occupation. The redevelopment follows a series of municipal measures since 2014, culminating in an agreement with Orchidea S.r.l. in 2023.