AESTHETIC

Kennedy 20 is an iconic reference point in the EUR urban planning project. It was designed in 1939 by Giovanni Muzio, Mario Paniconi and Giulio Pediconi, except for the top floor which dates from the 1960s.

The complex revolves around a main axis: the semi-circular exedra with its central entrance, the open interior courtyard, and the two symmetric wings.

The facades are characterized by the regularity of their alternating open and closed spaces and by the monumental colonnade on the exedra-facing side. The particularly iconic front facade stands out for the two high reliefs “The Conquest of the Sea” and “The Fascist Empire” by Oddo Aliventi and Quirino Ruggeri, leading practitioners of the triumphalist esthetic in vogue during the 1930s and 1940s. The other outstanding feature is the portico, with its characteristic barrel vaults, which borders the building on three sides.

The main courtyard is a focal point in the original architectural design, as underlined by the use of precious materials in the portico including pink granite columns and corner stones, green cipollino marble on the upper levels, and pavement in porphyry and white marble in a geometric pattern inspired by Michelangelo’s square on Rome’s Capitoline Hill.

Interior spaces are paved primarily in different sizes of marble and Slavonian oak parquet. The iron and wooden door and window frames stand out for their unusual variety of shapes.

The finishing and architectural details incorporated into the building’s design are under the protection of Italy’s Culture Ministry because of their historic and artistic value.

For 80 years Kennedy 20 has remained both functional and aesthetically relevant, confirming its status as an inspiring example of Italian Rationalism.