Romes Termini Station Renovation | Simn GarcaRomes Termini Station, inaugurated in the 19th century, has long stood as one of Europes premier transit centers and a landmark of modern Roman architecture. As the beating heart of urban mobility in Italys capital, Termini serves as a transit hub and a symbol of Italian resilience and innovation.Romes Termini Station Technical InformationArchitects1-7: L35 ArchitectsLocation: Piazza dei Cinquecento, Rome, ItalySector: Transport, RetailGross Leasable Area: 18,000 mProject Year: 2016 2022Photographs: Simn Garca, NuvoleStations are being reimagined, evolving from places of passage to places of life. Little by little, they are gradually becoming destinations where people can also come to work, shop, enjoy leisure activities, and meet. The challenge of this project has been to support this transformation while maintaining a respectful balance with its valuable historical legacy. L35 ArchitectsRomes Termini Station Photographs Simn Garca Simn Garca Simn Garca Simn Garca Simn Garca Simn Garca Simn Garca Simn Garca Simn Garca Simn GarcaThe Context of Rome Termini Station and Its SignificanceThe station handles over 200 million visitors annually, connecting Rome with other major European cities and within the Italian railway network. It has witnessed expansions, transformations, and modifications throughout its existence, most notably its post-World War II modernization led by architects Eugenio Montuori, Leo Calini, and Annibale Vitellozzi. The stations blend of historical and modern architectural elements gives it a unique position within Romes architectural landscape.In 2016, the decision to renovate Termini was prompted by Grandi Stazioni Retail, the projects client, to address its potential as a high-functioning transport hub while preserving its architectural heritage. L35 Architects, entrusted with the task, approached the project with a vision to bridge the stations historic legacy with the demands of a 21st-century transport hub. The primary goals focused on streamlining functionality, enhancing visitor experience, and restoring visual connections to the citys historical landmarks.Restoration of Visual and Spatial Connectivity to the Servian WallsOne of the most remarkable aspects of the Termini renovation is the restoration of views toward the ancient Servian Walls. Romes oldest known city fortifications, the Servian Walls, date back to the 4th century BCE and are an architectural gem, obscured for decades due to commercial expansions within the station. L35s vision was clear: re-establishing this historical connection by removing commercial obstructions and enhancing the spatial dialogue between ancient and modern Rome.The renovation introduced a large glass facade in the main hall, framing a section of the Servian Walls to create a striking visual focal point. This decision was not merely aesthetic; it symbolizes the intersection of Romes historical past and its dynamic present, inviting visitors to reflect on the citys layered history even in transit. This move by L35 Architects highlights the stations unique position, fusing its functional role as a bustling transport hub with a visual invitation to explore Romes distant past.Architecturally, this transparency is achieved through glass, which allows natural light to illuminate the historic wall, emphasizing its presence and reinforcing its significance. By reestablishing this connection, L35 Architects have revitalized Terminis role as a gateway to Rome, providing not just transit but a seamless blend of ancient history and modern life for visitors and commuters alike.Functional Reorganization for a Contemporary Urban HubA critical aspect of the Termini renovation was the reorganization of circulation paths and commercial spaces to meet the expectations of a modern urban hub. Terminis original layout presented challenges in spatial coherence, especially given its evolution through multiple architectural interventions over the years. The renovation focused on clarifying pathways and relocating essential services such as ticketing and customer support to central areas, improving user orientation and accessibility.This reconfiguration enhances flow by enabling clear sightlines across the stations levels, particularly between the main hall, the Gommata Gallery, and the lower Forum level. L35 Architects approached this task with a clear design logic that minimized unnecessary ornamentation, focusing instead on clean, dynamic forms that contrast distinctly with the historic architecture of the station. This minimalist intervention streamlines the user experience and maintains respect for the stations monumental character.The commercial spaces in the Dinosaur and Gommata Gallery areas were consolidated into cohesive units, improving navigation and visual unity. Rather than competing with the architectural grandeur of Termini, the updated commercial zones adopt a simplified aesthetic. Materials like glass and metal interact harmoniously with the stations finishes, creating a modernized yet restrained environment that respects the existing architectural fabric.Aesthetic, Acoustic, and Lighting Enhancements for User ComfortThe renovation also aimed to enhance the stations spatial quality, incorporating thoughtful acoustics, lighting, and materiality improvements. In the Forum, where portions of the Servian Wall are visible, L35 Architects installed metal slat ceilings that improve sound absorption, addressing the noise levels typical in busy transit hubs. This ceiling design and increased access to natural light through strategically placed voids enhance the lower levels ambiance, visually connecting it to the Gommata Gallery above and creating a sense of openness.Lighting plays a pivotal role in this renovation, especially in illuminating the stations historical elements. A dedicated lighting strategy was implemented to accentuate the Servian Walls and other preserved archaeological remains distributed throughout the station. These lighting solutions reinforce spatial connections between different levels and draw attention to the unique architectural features within the station, making the historical components accessible and appreciated by daily commuters and international travelers alike.The clarity and simplicity in L35s design choices, especially in materials and finishes, ensure that modern additions do not overshadow Terminis legacy. By using materials that blend seamlessly with the historic station, L35 Architects have achieved a respectful yet transformative upgrade that keeps Termini relevant in the present day while honoring its past.Romes Termini Station PlansBasement | L35 ArchitectsGroundfloor | L35 ArchitectsFirst Floor | L35 ArchitectsRomes Termini Station Image GalleryAbout L35 ArchitectsL35 Architects is an internationally recognized architecture, urban planning, and design firm founded in 1967. Known for their adaptive, context-sensitive approach, the firm has completed notable projects worldwide, such as the Santiago Bernabu Stadium in Madrid, the reconfiguration of the Toulon seafront in France, and the El Campn cultural complex in Bogot. Their recent renovation of Romes Termini Station exemplifies their commitment to uniting contemporary functionality with historical preservation, reaffirming their ethos of enhancing user experience through excellence in design and urban integration.Notes & Additional CreditsLead Architects: Caterina Memeo, Javier Framis, Luisa Bada, Sonia Sanz, Rocco Grillo, Gaia Pellegrini, Mariana Alonso, Javier Cudazzo, Marta Artamendi, Pablo Escuder, Francisco Rodrigues, Marc Gran, Jos Lus MonznClient: Grandi Stazioni Retail S.p.A.Coordination: Grandi Stazioni Retail Technical ManagementProject Management: Arcadis ItaliaExecutive Project: Pei Engineering RomeStructural Engineering: Seico Srl RomeGeneral Contractor: S.A.L.C. S.p.A. Milan