Royal Academy of Spain in Rome

The proposal for the restoration and expansion of the buildings that comprise the Royal Academy of Spain in Rome, requires a thorough analysis and intervention of the Monumental Complex of San Pietro in Montorio. It also asks for the definition of a Master Plan capable of organizing in time and costs, the different ways of its restoration, rehabilitation, restructuring and new construction, which manage to enhance the value of this important architectural complex, currently with functional and accessibility difficulties, due to the continuous additions and interventions carried out over time.

Modifying this situation requires a thorough intervention in the access pavilion from Piazza San Pietro in Montorio. The residential area is also deeply modified. The new circulation scheme, relocates the functions in the corridors of the Franciscan cloister. These include the visitors’ center of Bramante’s Tempietto on the first floor, the new assembly hall on the second floor, and the library on the second and third floors. This requires a restructuring of the stairwells, as well as the inclusion of elevators.

The historical ramped access is recovered. It strengthens the axis that gave direct access to Bramante’s Tempietto. This intermediate level leads to three different floors. First the Church, Bramante’s cloister and the entrance pavilion to the Royal Academy of Spain in Rome. White travertine marble floors and cladding will give material continuity throughout the socle on the square.

The proposal articulates a new entrance pavilion on the square of San Pietro in Montorio. Its main facade is recessed from the current one to emphasize its formal autonomy. Its timeless architectural language preserves consistency with the existing facades, and its openings line up with the rest of the building.