materra.studio

Located in the Monte Sacro district of Rome, the project reinterprets the idea of a healing garden as a contemporary public space. It integrates natural topography, vegetation, and architecture to create an environment that enhances sensory awareness and mental restoration. The design transforms an urban site into a calm and restorative landscape where people can reconnect with nature through movement, light, and texture.

• Spatial Concept: The design is organized around a sequence of lightweight pavilions and open courtyards that follow the natural slope of the terrain. Circulation unfolds gradually through shaded paths and planted terraces, encouraging contemplation and slow movement.
• Architecture & Function: The Interpretation Center acts as both an educational and contemplative pavilion, where transparency, rhythm, and greenery intertwine to create an immersive spatial experience for visitors and students alike.
• Materiality & Atmosphere: Local travertine and textured concrete give a tactile sense of permanence, while glass and timber introduce warmth and transparency. The combination balances solidity and lightness, shaping a serene architectural language.
• Landscape Strategy: The garden uses native local plants such as; olive trees, rosemary, and ornamental grasses, to create gradients of scent, texture, and color. These layers define spaces of quiet reflection and collective learning.
• Sensory Experience: Framed views, filtered light, and the sound of wind and water invite visitors to engage their senses. The result is an environment that supports emotional and physical restoration.
• Conceptual Aim: The project proposes a new form of urban sanctuary, a place that connects ecology, education, and contemplation within the heart of Rome.