“CuBo” – short for Cultural Box – is the first building to be completed with the expansion of the Campus Bio-Medico in Rome. Pioneering the campus’ further development and construction, CuBo exhibits the traits and building criteria set in the 2019 master plan, drafted by Labics and Topotek 1 and selected amongst multiple international entries. The building has a square footprint following a grid of equal-sized modules. All its elevations feature portico façades that increase permeability between indoor and outdoor spaces and foster interrelation with neighboring facilities and the landscape.

With a simple yet rigorous floorplan of a courtyard set between two rectangular volumes, CuBo is defined by its clear programmatic arrangement. Lecture halls and large multipurpose spaces are consolidated to the volumes on the north and south sides of the building, freeing up the middle for free-flowing public use and circulation including common areas for collective use. A displaced double-height courtyard establishes a grand forecourt from the east that cascades directly into a sunken public auditorium. Floating above the open ground floor, enclosed loggias encircle the courtyard and frame a quiet study hall.