The design concept centers on reinterpreting a sort of hortus conclusus—a secluded garden—in a contemporary key, establishing a dialogue with the renovated gymnasium building and the Angelo Mai school complex, ultimately transforming the area into a neighborhood garden open to the dynamics of the city.

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The garden design is based on the creation of a regular grid composed of small trees and shrubs, all with relatively shallow root systems and a maximum height of four meters. Strawberry trees (Arbutus unedo) and pomegranates (Punica granatum), reminiscent of the orchards found in many historic Roman villas—such as the one depicted in the beautiful fresco of Villa Livia—will serve as the focal point of the new garden. Clearings within the grid will create spaces for events and play areas for neighborhood children.

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In the spirit of the hortus conclusus, the garden’s perimeter will be enclosed by slight earth mounds planted with low-maintenance shrubs evocative of traditional garden species such as bay laurels (Laurus nobilis), privets (Ligustrum vulgare), chaste trees (Vitex agnus-castus), and myrtles (Myrtus communis). This dense green border is completed on the inner side with aromatic groundcovers and flowering ornamental herbaceous species—such as trailing rosemary, santolina, lavender, ornamental sages, verbenas, and tufts of stipa grass—which move with the wind and provide a contemporary character, along with seasonal scents and colors throughout the year.

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The new building will act as the core of the entire design system—a nexus for circulation and a key architectural element bridging the elevation gap between the elevated garden and street level. It will appear as a structure gently resting on the terrain, echoing its material tones in the facade finishes. Developed over three above-ground levels, the lowest floor—accessible from Via Clementina—will house the gym, taking advantage of the natural elevation difference. The second floor, at garden level, will serve as the main access point, managing the separate flows of students and external visitors, and will include a refreshment area closely connected to the garden. The top floor will accommodate more private functions, remaining closed to the public.