Fosters + Partners has restored and converted the Palazzo Marignoli in Rome into an Apple Store, uncovering historic features and opening up a central courtyard.
Apple Via del Corso is the largest Apple Store in Europe and occupies the historic Palazzo Marignoli, near the Piazza Colonna, in the centre of Rome.
Top: the store is located in the Palazzo Marignoli. Above: a courtyard is at the centre of the building
The Apple Via del Corso building sits on a site that held a church and a convent in the 16th century.
The current Palazzo Marignoli building was constructed between 1873 and 1878 and served as a home for Marquis Filippo Marignoli. It also housed the Caffè Aragno, a famous gathering spot for artists.
Original paintings were restored and placed in the ceiling Foster + Partners wanted to celebrate its history by highlighting its grandeur and restoring its historic features.
"The idea was to celebrate different aspects and various areas of the history of the building," said Foster + Partners partner Luis Matania.
"You have this juxtaposition of all these various areas in the building's history, through to now, the 21st century."
Ettore Ballerini's Dusk was placed between ceiling panelling
L-shaped in its plan, the building is organised around a large courtyard that the studio opened up to be used by the public and to greet visitors upon entry into the building.
Camphor trees placed across the courtyard informed by the 16th-century convent that previ...