Florence’s new airport terminal is set to welcome more visitors than ever, showcasing an innovative green roof with a vineyard—a nod to Italy’s love for sustainable architecture and its rich wine heritage.
Inspired by Milan’s Bosco Verticale, Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci International Airport will soon feature an eight-hectare (19-acre) vineyard atop its sloping roof. A renowned local winery will harvest the grapes and produce wine on-site, with a cellar located within the airport grounds.
The design comes from Rafael Viñoly Architects, an American firm tasked with modernizing the terminal as part of broader renovations that include addressing the airport’s current runway limitations caused by the surrounding hills.
The vineyard will be supported by a system of precast concrete structures designed to resemble the vines themselves. These structures will not only sustain the vineyard with soil and irrigation but also shade key terminal areas, reducing energy consumption by limiting heating and cooling needs. Skylights will flood the terminal with natural light, further enhancing energy efficiency.
Rafael Viñoly Architects emphasized that this green roof, visible from famous city landmarks like Brunelleschi’s Duomo, will symbolically represent Florence’s commitment to sustainability while reflecting its rich traditions and forward-thinking spirit.
Román Viñoly, director at Rafael Viñoly Architects, shared with CNN that the roof will use heat exchange technology, leveraging the thermal properties of the soil to provide low-emission heating and cooling. In summer, heat will be absorbed by the earth, and in winter, it will be released to warm the terminal.
Italy’s green roof history stretches back to Roman times, as noted by Buone Notizie. Ancient examples like the Domus Aurea near the Colosseum feature rooftop gardens, showcasing Italy’s longstanding tradition of integrating nature into architecture.
