The fifth edition of the Festival des Cabanes has transformed the gardens of Villa Medici in Rome into a space of rest and reflection, featuring ephemeral micro-architectures by international architects. The installations, including Bento's "Duomo Invertito" made from broom handles and living mycelium tiles, explore themes of reuse, local materials, and the relationship with the natural environment. The festival opens the normally restricted gardens to the public for half the year, drawing over 42,000 visitors.
This festival matters because it reconnects contemporary architectural practice with ancient Roman principles of circular economy and reuse, challenging modern wasteful construction methods. By integrating living materials like mycelium and emphasizing biodegradable, locally sourced components, the event offers a tangible model for sustainable architecture. It also reinforces Villa Medici's historic mission as an artist residency and contemporary creation center while making its botanical heritage accessible to a wider public.