*This entry won 2nd Place in the 2022 Art Urbain Competition held in France (In collaboration with Taylor Deason and Lauren Miller)
During the fall of 2021, I had the opportunity to study abroad at the University of Arkansas Rome Center. For the studio assignment, we were faced with the task of revitalizing what could be considered a “fringe-space” within a city. We were asked to address the site with three factors in mind: quality of architecture, quality of community life, and respect for the environment.
Porta Portese was once the heart of the maritime economy of Rome, but it is now secluded from the rest of the city. Surface parking and rampant overgrowth have transformed this area into an uninviting and even dangerous place. The adjacent community has limited access to retail and recreation spaces as well as the Tiber River. Perforating the former city wall and reducing barriers to access creates a more welcoming environment for new retail initiatives and a more diverse local economy. The historic ship building Arsenale is transformed into a multi-story market, anchoring a new retail district with easy access to the Tiber River embankment path. Outdoor public space is vital for a healthy lifestyle in a post-pandemic world. Clearing the parking garage and relocating the supermarket creates space for an outdoor park. The area is geared towards pedestrians and the traffic patterns are reorganized to promote mobility for all.
Quality of Architecture:
Historic landmarks are accentuated while encouraging community between them. The new market and riverside restaurants accommodate the needs of the community while balancing it with an escape into nature.
Quality of Community Life:
Porta Portese now offers a variety of outdoor public spaces, which was substantially lacking before, encouraging an influx of social interaction.
Respect of the Environment:
The increase of green space releases impermeable surfaces, introducing diverse plant life and reducing density and energy consumption.
Quality of Architecture:
Historic landmarks are accentuated while encouraging community between them. The new market and riverside restaurants accommodate the needs of the community while balancing it with an escape into nature.
Quality of Community Life:
Porta Portese now offers a variety of outdoor public spaces, which was substantially lacking before, encouraging an influx of social interaction.
Respect of the Environment:
The increase of green space releases impermeable surfaces, introducing diverse plant life and reducing density and energy consumption.
Axonometric
Site Plan: Before
Site Plan: After
Arsenale: Before
Arsenale: After
Economy: Before
Economy: After
Hangar: Before
Hangar: After
Section: Before
Section: After
Final Submission Board (English Version)
