A new architecture slowly redefines the urban landscape of Rome historic center. Massimiliano and Doriana Fuksas are the architects behind the project of refurbishment of the ex “Unione Militare” building situated between Via del Corso and Via Tomacelli that crosses the four floors of the building from the ground-floor up to the panoramic terrace with a view of the dome of the Basilica of Saint Ambrose and Carlo al Corso.

Outside interventions are minor – the architecture of the facades has been highlighted through alight design intervention, which gives a touch of contemporary to the building whilst putting it in connection to the city. However, the large “Lantern” is the symbol of the project – the very heart of the intervention. It contains the vertical connections, the service and accessory rooms as well as part of the plants. The full-height void created by lantern offers a glimpse along the structure. The part of it which acts as a roofing reaches height of 7.5 meters and accommodates huge panoramic restaurant space. Viewed from the city, the lantern appears as an irregular mirror during the day, while at night it takes on the shape of a large lamp. In the evening, the facades of the building light up and look like a theater set, the atmospheres change and the audience can enjoy from the outside the internal show of lights and colors.

The interiors have been designed by Fuksas as shiny elements inspired by children toys. They are sculptural objects with fluid shapes mostly made of fiberglass and characterized by a shiny white color. Oval-shaped mirrors reflect the interiors, lights and colors as a whole. The ”Lantern” acts as a theater wing that opens on each floor. The false ceilings light up through a range of colors recalling those of the floors.