Grazzini Tonazzini Colombo's Ethereal Pavilion for MAXXI Rome Summer 2024
The Roman architecture firm Grazzini Tonazzini Colombo has won the MAXXI NXT 2024 competition with their design for an ethereal summer pavilion titled 'Quintessenza'. Opening June 14, 2024, on Piazza Alighiero Boetti at the MAXXI museum in Rome, the pavilion will serve as a backdrop for evening performances and a daytime leisure space. The project draws on Aristotelian concepts of the fifth element (quintessence) and theatrical stage design, featuring a three-tiered, staggered main facade that creates dynamic perspective. Its iridescent silver metal cladding echoes Zaha Hadid's use of metal and concrete in the museum. The pavilion incorporates mirrors and water jets inspired by Roman fountains, and its galvanized steel sheeting is designed for reuse after disassembly to minimize carbon impact. Curated by Pippo Ciorra, the MAXXI NXT program promotes young architects and public space activation. Finalist projects by AMAarchitecture, Brunelli Ann Minciacchi, and LandWorks will be exhibited in the MAXXI Archives Center with presentations including design documents and interviews.
Key facts
- Grazzini Tonazzini Colombo designed the pavilion 'Quintessenza' for MAXXI Rome.
- The pavilion opens June 14, 2024, on Piazza Alighiero Boetti.
- It will host evening performances and daytime leisure activities.
- The design references Aristotelian quintessence and theatrical stage sets.
- Silver metal cladding creates an ethereal, iridescent appearance.
- Mirrors and water jets evoke Roman fountains.
- Galvanized steel will be reused after disassembly to reduce carbon impact.
- The project won the MAXXI NXT 2024 competition curated by Pippo Ciorra.
Entities
Artists
- Zaha Hadid
- Pippo Ciorra
Institutions
- MAXXI
- MAXXI L'Aquila
- Atelier Remoto
- Grazzini Tonazzini Colombo
- AMAarchitecture
- Brunelli Ann Minciacchi
- LandWorks
- Artribune
Locations
- Rome
- Italy
- Piazza Alighiero Boetti
- MAXXI
- Centro Archivi del MAXXI