They are determined by what we ask of them as well as in turn they determine our own lives within them. They change over time as we change, while also serving as change agents and marking both events by their very existence and continuing evolution. Over time, memories fade, past events are forgotten and the parts of a city that once played host to those experiences take on altered meanings, new associations and support different livelihoods. The area along and in the vicinity of the Via Appia Nuova in Rome stretching from San Giovanni in Laterano, inside the old wall, to Parco Santo Stefano, well outside the wall in the southeast, is an urban quarter embodying many of these characteristics.
Some parts are old and some are new.
Indeed, areas along the Via Appia Nuova and several of its major cross-streets and intersections represent a veritable transect through Roman urban history, especially since the turn of the century, and a rich reservoir of specific urban experiences. It remains, nevertheless, an under-recognized and poorly understood section of the city, especially in comparison to many other areas. The aim of the studio was twofold. The second was to propose specific redevelopment projects for the area, addressing issues such as improved circulation and access, economic revitalization, improved visibility of major historic and recreation areas, and greater general coordination among potential infrastructure improvements and adjacent building projects and land uses. A site visit was made to Rome during the spring break and special assistance was provided throughout the term by Professor Rosario Pavia from Rome.