FAO in review: At 80, FAO unveils greener, upgraded facilities and friendly environment
Figure: FAO Director-General QU Dongyu visits the Asian Pavilion in the garden area. FAO Headquarters. ©FAO/Giuseppe Carotenuto
FAO News 22 Dec 2025
In its 80th year, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has unveiled a transformed headquarters in Rome, featuring expanded green spaces, an inspiring new museum, as well as upgraded facilities across its global network.
As FAO enters its ninth decade, these changes symbolize a commitment to trust, innovation, and a future where no one is left behind. From green roofs and solar-powered offices to immersive cultural spaces, FAO is opening its doors to Rome and to the world.
Greener headquarters
Visitors to FAO’s Rome headquarters are now welcomed by a sprawling garden that blurs the line between institution and city. Covering 17,419 square metres, the redesign increased green space by 84 percent, adding 9,400 square metres of planted areas, permeable surfaces, and green roofs.
The gardens capture and reuse rainwater through underground tanks and soil-moisture seniors based on the ecosystem friendly design of sponge park. Nearly 80 new trees, 10,000 shrubs, and over 100 plant species enhance biodiversity, while edible species such as olives, almonds, pomegranates and citrus reflect FAO’s mission. Paths of reused stone reinforce a circular approach to materials, complemented by new landmarks like an eight-jet fountain and a monumental vertical stone from China.
FAO’s new Entrance, along Rome’s Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, serves as a welcoming front door. Built to LEED standards, it features a green roof and improved access controls.
Inside the pavilion, decorative panels narrate the archaeological discoveries unearthed during construction. Excavations coordinated with the Soprintendenza Speciale di Roma uncovered Roman era remains, including masonry and stratified evidence charting the area’s evolution, as well as amphora layers testifying to Mediterranean trade in wine, oil, and other goods.
The headquarters’ travertine façades were restored with support from Italy’s Ministry of Infrastructure, while the historic Santa Balbina wall was reinforced and integrated with travertine planters for climbing vegetation.
A new three-story parking structure, clad in travertine, was built above preserved Roman remains. The curtain walls of the parking building are covered in travertine marble, harmonizing with the architectural style of FAO’s current buildings.
“Sustainability has been a guiding principle throughout these projects, as with all the building work we have undertaken to renovate headquarters,” said Director-General QU Dongyu. “We prioritized the use of sustainable materials, and existing materials were re-used wherever possible.”
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