Sports Hall Design Concept for 3C+T Capolei Cavalli
Location: Serpentara, Rome, Italy
Year: 2021-2022
Project Type: sport centre
'Set in the natural landscape just outside Rome, this sports hall is conceived not as an imposition, but as a continuation of its surroundings. Where architecture recedes, allowing nature to remain the dominant form, and design becomes a quiet partner to the land.'
The Serpentara Sports Centre is one of the most significant projects I have contributed to since joining the architecture studio in Rome.
The site is a large, undeveloped green space characterised by its distinctive topography—a small hill surrounded by residential buildings. The design approach prioritises preserving the existing elevation and seamlessly integrating the new structure into the natural landscape. This ensures that the views from the surrounding buildings remain unobstructed.
The overarching vision is to create a facility that is immersa nel verde—fully immersed in greenery. The proposed sports centre will accommodate a range of activities, both indoor and outdoor, catering to users at beginner and professional levels alike.
Proposed Planimetry
The project was in its early design stages.
At that point, the team and the client are exploring a range of conceptual proposals for the development of the sports centre. The diagrams presented on this page illustrate the concept developed by my supervisor and me.
As outlined previously, the core idea is to design a building that harmonises with the natural character of the site. To preserve the surrounding views, the structure is carefully positioned so that the hill’s topography informs the shape of the sports centre’s roof—allowing much of the building to be embedded into the landscape, with only a portion emerging above ground.
As a result, the majority of the site will remain green. Visitors approaching the project won’t be met with an imposing concrete structure, but rather a vibrant park-like setting, featuring sports fields and cycling/running tracks.
The proposed design aspires to offer more than just a space for physical activity—it aims to be a place of retreat, where users can take a break from daily routines and experience a sense of renewal, both physically and mentally, from the moment they enter the site.
Due to the site’s natural form and the distinctive roof design, the building layout follows a clear and well-organised structure.
The conceptual floor plan is divided into three main zones: the entrance area, which includes a reception, offices, and a small café; the gym zone to the right; and the swimming pool facilities to the left.
The gym area is designed to accommodate four distinct functions: a climbing wall, a strength training zone with machines, a group fitness studio, and a CrossFit area.
Although the project is still in its early stages, it has been included in this portfolio as it represents the most substantial and current project I’ve worked on. It marks my first significant step into the professional realm and offers the exciting possibility of seeing a design I contributed to realised in the built environment.
