24 Oct

The early 20th century brought rise of one of Rome’s newer regions, Testaccio. Its commencement came as a variety of commercialized production expanded its area resulting in the separation from the Ripa region. Of the commerce produced in the area, one of the major ones was beef production. The new master plan for the area included the construction of the new slaughterhouse and the expansion of the area around it. The new slaughterhouse occupies over 100,000 square meters of area thus being a major contributor for the region’s success in expansion in the early 20th century as well as a significant factor to establishing the region. In 1975, the slaughterhouse moved locations and left a void to be filled in the region of Testaccio.

While keeping many original clues of the former slaughterhouse, the facilities have began transformation of its new use. Continuing Testaccio’s theme of organizations that offer products and services within the community, the facility has been divided into three different parts which will all provide a richness of culture to the region; an “Alternative economy town”, an architectural university and a museum of contemporary art. While the “economy town’s” construction, consisting of a variety of shops and communal opportunities, has not begun construction, both the university and art museum have been completed.

I would argue the two new aspects (and eventually all three) contribute significantly to the area as means to continue to fuel the community and region with productive uses just as the slaughterhouse once did. While the function may have changed, the form will both be preserved and updated to perform effectively and the essence of the ex-slaughterhouse is maintained and will continue to provide for the area. It is characteristics like these that provide a good translation.