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Public Landmark of Archaeological Observation – Rome - Italy

Part 2 Project 2013
Andra Elena Apostolescu
Ion Mincu University of Architecture and Urbanism | Romania
The archeological site Area Sacra di Largo Torre Argentina, is situated in the historical centre of Rome, Italy. Only in the late 1929, it became visible throughout the urban fabric as a consequence of the demolitions carried out on the existent medieval urban island.

This archaeological site is characterized by the presence of four parallel Temples, each built in different moments in time, as a result of the progressive stratification of the city, beginning from the 3rd century B.C. The most significant archaeological layers lie 5 meters beneath the surface of the current urban fabric. As a consequence, there is an accessibility problem from the street level and a lack of interest towards the place.

I propose a Public Landmark of Archaeological Observation based on the inaccessibility and lack of use as a real historical value of the site. It will become an active cultural hub of Rome, as a result of a new design of the
public pedestrian space and the proposal of a module/ landmark/ museum type building.

The attitude towards the site is based on interventions envisioned in a conservative and enriching manner towards the existing significant local cultural patrimony.

The intervention itself consists of a simple cantilevered building, done in the area where there are no significant remains discovered, as an arch/ connection between the old and the new. The idea behind the design lies in the basic gesture of looking towards the distance, raising a hand towards the forehead and so creating an arch. This gesture has been transformed into the design of the building, creating a seamless structure, which doesn’t distract the viewer from the remains. Moreover, the visibility among the pedestrians is protected and enriched with a belvedere point from inside.

To conclude, the most important parts of the intervention are ensuring the cohesion with the urban fabric, establishing a rapport between the visitor and their ease of access upon archeology, high visibility from street level, respect, conservation and the neutral/translucent aspect of the architectural object.

Andra Elena Apostolescu

Tutor(s)

2013
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