2026 Rome Rain Rooms International Competition

The Rombrella

As climate change reshapes weather patterns, Rome faces longer droughts followed by sudden, intense downpours — moments of abundance that often go to waste. This competition challenged participants to transform those fleeting storms into civic rituals, turning rainfall into both a shared experience and a sustainable resource.

The proposed design includes two sets of retractable stainless steel diaphragm blades finished in the colours of Rome, that open and close automatically during rain events. The two ‘funnels’ capture stormwater and provide shelter during downpours. The canopies collect and channel rainwater into an extensive underground network of pipes, some of which were built in ancient Roman times. It supplies water to neighborhood and street trees, gardens, or non-potable fountains. The function of water collection is achieved while offering shelter, comfort and delight to the public, as well as an electronic display of the weather report and the amount of water collected. Beyond its technical function, the ROMBRELLA, individually and in groups celebrates the sensory and social dimensions of rain: its sound, reflection, mist, and movement through space. Architecture here becomes a medium between people and climate — something that makes weather visible, and communal.