S.P.Q.R.
'Senatus Populusque Romanus' - The Senate and the People of Rome
Location: Via del Consolato,
Rome, Italy
Designed during 5 months study abroad program in Rome.
Program: Three interacting buildings: Vatican Alias Museum, Caravanserai and Information Center.
Development of a facade system: Typology investigation by using the letters S.P.Q.R in a way to develop a pattern to manipulate natural light.
Facade system/Analogue used on Information Center: the changing scale of typology is to signify the use of each space. Info. Center holds a cafe against the existing exterior wall on the 3rd floor.
Developed facade system then used for vertical and horizontal elements in the Museum to effect light projecting into space from usable roofs. The pattern enables a visionary element of connection by seeing and being seen between the users of a space and the passer-bys.
Light from system also highlights chosen sculptures from The Vatican to be placed in a designed Vatican Alias Museum so that the circulation and lighting pattern is developed to focus on each of the three chosen sculptures.
Sloped entry into the museum creates a slightly underground experience yet open to the exterior through the facade system and visual connections to the outside.
Section through Museum showing change in grade, usable roof, light projecting into space from above and exterior facade of the Info. Center.
Plan: The Information Center (left) is designed in a restoration process of an existing exterior facade. The center holds information about Rome, the museum (right) and caravanserai center (bottom right) for visiting individuals.
The museum becomes a social interaction area by use of usable roofs and continuous playful connections between the interior and exterior of each space. The original facade pattern is projected onto the flooring to allow for light and visual elements.
At night, the three structures will project light from within so that the design of the letters S.P.Q.R highlight the area and emphasize the buildings dedicated to the people of Rome.
