The project for the New Security Citadel in Rimini is designed to be a true engine of urban regeneration and social enhancement. Our vision is to transform what is currently a fragmented area into a new gathering hub, moving beyond the concept of an “urban void” to give citizens back a living, open, and permeable space. To achieve this, we have removed traditional perimeter fences, bringing to life a vast urban park where institutions are not isolated, but rather embrace the city’s fabric.
Crossing the area is a large pedestrian axis connected to Via Flaminia, designed to encourage soft mobility by integrating bike lanes, bicycle parking, and bike-sharing stations. Furthermore, to preserve the peacefulness of this pedestrian heart, vehicular access points have been strategically confined to the edges of the lot.
Date 2025
State Competition
Location Rimini, Italy
Category Offices
The project is also enriched by a new Civic Center: built around a circular plaza, it is envisioned as a focal point for civic participation and social life. At the same time, the new residential buildings fit harmoniously into the neighborhood, naturally following its pre-existing urban axes.
Architecturally, the volumes housing the Administrations draw inspiration from the monumentality of Renaissance palaces, reimagined to foster a profound dialogue with the outdoors. Uniting the different structures is a large covered plaza, outlined by a regular grid, which serves both as a shared space and a shelter from the elements.
Inside, innovation dictates the spatial organization: the environments embrace the “Smart Office” philosophy and WELL™ standards, guaranteeing high flexibility, seamless technological integration, and the psychological and physical well-being of the occupants, supported by constant contact with greenery. This efficiency continues outdoors, with modular prefabricated facades that minimize maintenance needs, backed by a smart management system (BEMS and IoT) capable of optimizing energy consumption in real-time.
The New Citadel looks beyond mere aesthetics, being deeply rooted in environmental and social sustainability (ESG) principles. The project actively combats pollution and the “urban heat island” effect through a rich green infrastructure that includes planting 492 new trees, green roofs, and the use of light-colored materials—solutions capable of lowering summer temperatures by up to 4-5°C. Special attention is devoted to water: “rain gardens” (bioretention swales) and an innovative “watersquare”, a floodable plaza designed to host recreational events and, when needed, collect excess rainwater, ensure virtuous water management and the recovery of resources for irrigation.
All of this translates into tangible benefits for the territory: an impact analysis estimates that for every euro invested, the project will generate a return (SROI) of €2.95 in social, environmental, and economic value for individuals and the entire community.
An architecture that builds no walls, but dissolves boundaries: a vast urban park where security becomes synonymous with integration, giving back to the city a living and permeable space.
Bringing this innovative vision full circle is a careful selection of materials, chosen to combine durability, aesthetic harmony, and the utmost respect for the environment.
Externally, the buildings’ character is defined by a base of prefabricated panels with a strong textural effect, paired on the upper floors with slim, sand-colored sublimated aluminum profiles: elegant, resilient materials that virtually eliminate maintenance.
Strolling through the park, draining pavements, porous concrete, and stabilized aggregates promote the soil’s natural permeability, aiding the passive cooling of the spaces. Indoors, health and ecology guide every decision: we prioritized locally sourced products with high recycled content, designed for easy end-of-life management.
Finally, the use of dry construction systems and the application of antibacterial treatments on finishes ensure maximally hygienic and healthy environments, ready to welcome workers and citizens in a climate of total safety and comfort.
Innovation merges with the landscape to redefine well-being: urban nature, water squares, and smart offices bring to life a resilient ecosystem, designed to protect the environment and connect people.
