New Underground Rome

Posted on by tomrankinarchitect

I got a chance to check out the new metro station just before it opened to the public on Saturday. Absolutely spectacular! The finds on display tell the story of Rome through stratigraphy (graphically marked with a clear indication of level below modern ground), chronology (with key dates popping up as you descend) and themes (color coding of themes dear to Sustainable Rome readers: water, reuse, etc.). The lighting is good, the signage is graphically excellent.

Sure, in the name of simplicity not much information is provided (a display case filled with marble fragments has one little placard saying essentially “old stuff”) and labels are only in Italian(well, it’s not like foreign tourists come to Rome or anything!). But the well-produced informative videos are subtitled in English and much of the display is self-explanatory.

It will be years before this station connects to anything but the outlying eastern periphery so I am curious to know how travelers will experience the station. People coming to see San Giovanni may arrive on the A line, then take a walk through the new station (which requires going out the turnstyle and then in again at Metro C but the ticket should still be valid I was told). Or perhaps this station will bring greater attention to the up and coming outer neighborhoods like Centocelle where my foodie friends keep unearthing new gastronomic treasures, including Santo Palato a short walk from the new station itself.

My principal fear is that lack of maintenance and security issues will result in a rapid decline in the station. I saw it during the press opening but had to leave before the crowds arrived. Knowing what other new stations look like –Conca D’Oro on the B line is already covered in graffiti a couple of years after its inauguration –I can only imagine what this now immaculate museum station may become if we are not all vigilant.

A version of this article is now also published (in italian) at http://www.culturefuture.net/la-nuova-metro-di-roma/

Very Roman scene at the turnstyle.
press conference rush hour
descending into the station
coins
displays include interesting metalwork and jewelry
irrigation pipes from an ancient orchard
organic finds such as peach pits encased in resin.
the use of glass for finds, photos and data is very successful
glass cases with finds and supergraphic titles
stratigraphic legend
chronological graphic display
the approach to street level
a view of the “museum” upon entry

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Jane’s Walk: from Tevere to Tevere

MAY 3, 2018by Tom Rankin

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Each year (starting last year!) I join in to celebrate Jane Jacob’s birthday with a walk around Rome. Last year it was an architectural walk around Piazza Bologna, this year I want to take advantage of my new studio and an old interest: collage and reuse.

The walk, on Saturday 5 May from 10-12 am, will begin at Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 39 and explore Via Giulia, Vicolo Moretta and the banks of the Tiber. We’ll pose questions (in Italian?, in English? it depends who comes) about the city and its river. Participants will be aided in creating scrapbooks during the walk, collecting images, recollections, souvenirs.

Participation is free and open to anyone. Join us from the beginning or find us along the way, on Via Giulia, Ponte Sisto, or down along the Triumphs and Laments (William Kentridge) mural as we walk toward Castel Sant’Angelo.

Bring good walking shoes, something to write or draw with, and if you like your own sketchbook (if not, simple material will be provided).

Info at https://www.facebook.com/events/1645239365559367/

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