Aula delle Udienze Pontificie, Città del Vaticano

Commissioned by Pope Paul VI, the project is the work of the Società Ingg. Nervi & Bartoli. The Hall features a trapezoidal plan with seating for 6,300 people, and twice as many in a standing-only configuration. The main structure of the roof is a parabola consisting of prefabricated elements in white concrete and marble dust. The undulations of the roof gradually increase as the eye moves from the public entrance toward the Papal throne. Twelve columns with ruled surfaces, also in white concrete and marble dust, support the roof. The double curving surface at the back of the room ensures a direct view of the Papal throne from any point inside the Hall.