From 18 September to 4 October 2026, Accademia Costume & Moda took part in FAR26 – Rome Architecture Festival, promoted by the Rome Association of Architects. The Academy’s involvement centred on two complementary initiatives: Design District Esquilino, an exhibition spread across the neighbourhood, and a talk exploring the architectural restoration and adaptive reuse of the former Magazzini allo Statuto, now home to the Rome MAS campus.
Design District Esquilino: ACM’s windows become exhibition spaces
Launched on 18 September 2026 at the Rome MAS campus, Design District Esquilino transformed shop windows around Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II into an exhibition trail showcasing contemporary Roman design. Curated by Alessandro Gorla, coordinator of FAR26’s Design section, the initiative was developed in collaboration with Accademia Costume & Moda and the neighbourhood’s cultural and commercial businesses. Alessia Vitali was also involved on behalf of Accademia Costume & Moda, coordinating activities with the project partners.
Thirteen designers and creative studios took part, bringing their work into everyday urban settings. Through the “talking windows” format, QR codes invited visitors to explore the stories, research and concepts behind the exhibits, connecting contemporary design with the people and places of Esquilino.
The four exhibitors hosted in Accademia Costume & Moda’s windows
- Claudia Campone with Black Tie – Via dello Statuto, numbers 1–21.
- Millim Studio – Via dello Statuto, numbers 1–21.
- Alessandro Gorla with Bluecycle – Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, near number 137.
- Tommaso Garavini – Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, near number 137.
The installations made the Academy’s street-facing spaces an integral part of the exhibition, strengthening the connections between design research, education and the local community. The project offered an accessible way to experience design beyond conventional exhibition venues, through an urban trail open to everyone.
Furio Francini discusses the transformation of the former Magazzini allo Statuto
On Saturday 3 October 2026, the House of Architecture, located within the historic Roman Aquarium at Piazza Manfredo Fanti 47, hosted the talk “Dai Magazzini allo Statuto MAS al progetto di Accademia Costume & Moda”. Speakers included Furio Francini, CEO of ACM, and Giovanni B. Porzio of Studio Kami.
The conversation explored the conservation and adaptive reuse of the late nineteenth-century building in the heart of Esquilino. Following approximately 26 months of restoration, the historic former department store became the Rome MAS campus: 6,000 square metres across six levels, incorporating digitally equipped classrooms, specialist workshops and spaces for education and creative experimentation, with capacity for up to 700 students.
The campus also houses the Fiamma Lanzara Library, a public-facing cultural and research institution with extensive book and archival collections spanning fashion, costume and other cultural disciplines. The MAS project illustrates how architectural heritage can be safeguarded while being given new educational and cultural purposes.
Design, architecture and community: ACM’s relationship with Esquilino
Taking part in FAR26 reaffirmed Accademia Costume & Moda’s commitment to the neighbourhood that hosts its Roman campus. Through Design District Esquilino and the discussion of the Magazzini allo Statuto redevelopment, the Academy contributed to a wider conversation about design culture as a means of connecting institutions, creatives, local businesses and residents.
Together, the two initiatives offered a shared perspective: design can become part of everyday urban life, while architecture can bring existing heritage back into use and create new opportunities for the city.
Photography: Daniele Galmazzi.