EVENTS : Rome Workshop (2022-03-14)

Workshop Activities:

Focusing on three case studies (the Tyrrhenian Coastline, the Tiber and Flaminio District, and the Aniene River valley) the workshop brings together academics, public authorities, stakeholders and students for two weeks of intense discussion (from 14th - 25th March 2022), strategic planning and detailed urban design. Our goal is to propose open-ended and nature-based solutions that are inspired by local conditions and can be applicable to the wider problems faced today in the context of European Waterfronts.

The Tyrrhenian Coastline

Rome’s coast is a long strip of sand dunes containing both elements of great environmental value and extensive archaeological areas. It has fallen into a state of degradation and neglect due to chaotic urban development and land consumption often caused by tourism and grey infrastructure. The sea is seldom visible from the hinterland and is difficult to reach. It is obstructed by low-quality tourist facilities, which are the product of the privatisation of the coast. The main goal of the first case study is to re-establish the links between important archaeological sites, the often-disintegrated surrounding landscape, and the sea. The blue-green infrastructure could be used to systematise the archaeological heritage sites, connect to the sea and counteract coastal erosion by implementing landscape and hydrogeological interventions.

The Tiber and Flaminio District

The construction of the embankments and the Lungotevere has changed the perception of the river, which has "moved away" from the everyday life of the local residents. In effect, urban spaces, even those located very close to the river, do not relate to water and often deny its presence. The main objective of the second case study project is to rediscover and restructure the urban landscape with a focus on its environmental and aesthetic qualities, strengthen the role of the river in the urban experience, and, at the same time, protect the area against flooding. The Flaminio district is located in northern Rome, and features many open areas including the Mancini Square and Foro Italico which accommodates important cultural and sports venues such as Auditorium Parco della Musica, MAXXI Museum, the Olympic Stadium, the Flaminio Stadium, and the Palazzetto dello Sport.

The Aniene River valley

Aniene river is located in eastern Rome and it is the second biggest river in Lazio. The river is often neglected since it runs through the outskirts of the city. The purpose of the study was to understand the relationship between the river Aniene and the city of Rome. The main objective was to give the Aniene river a chance to become an essential element of the city and to show its unique potential, which has been lost due to many inappropriate planning decisions. The issue of the Aniene River was explored through two projects at a different scale and with entirely different approaches to the problem. The first is focused on the large, urban scale, indicating general changes. The second is focused on small-scale solutions for local inhabitants and their potential relationship with the river. The design proposals were preceded by a series of analyses regarding air quality and ventilation, connections, buildings’ quality, their assets, and green areas. The critical issues are the lack of accessibility and visibility of the riverside, the predominance of non-permeable ground in the district, and the non-energy efficient buildings dating back to the 1950s. Due to the existing conditions, the area is not adapted to flooding events. Despite the issues, the district is well connected to the rest of the city. In fact, it is intersected by one of the main roads, Via Tiburtina, and is supported by both metro and bus lines. Another asset of the area is the presence of green infrastructure such as the Natural Reserve of Aniene.