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Quattro

Jupiter's View of Terracina


What is the difference between a small city and a large building? The answer is not as obvious as it seems at first. Both are a sum of similar parts. Both are defined by the connections of these parts. Roads intersect with each other, create open space, and define voids, which in turn can delineate program. In the same way, buildings become a functional machine when the relationship between its parts is successful. Circulation, mobility, space, climate, the user, all of these parts are crucial in defining both cities and buildings. Both are so similar in fact, that when considering the failures and successes of an urban environment, it is sometimes helpful to go down in scale and observe first the failures and successes of large buildings. Terracina, for example, lacks a clear vertical connection, in this case between the historical center and the new urban development, a problem that exists in large buildings as well. It is here that the similarities between the two becomes an asset and thinking of ways to improve one can also benefit the other.


Various Vedutes III

Weekend in Firenze

Viareggio

Official goodbye to Summer

Various Vedutes II

In Rome…

Maxxi

Maxxi

The world seems slightly out of scale

Tre

Family Feud

What does one wall say to the other?

Column 1: [in a whisper] “psst”

[a little louder] “Excuse me!”

FOR THE LOVE OF VITRUVIUS!! WAKE UP!!

Column 2: WHAT? dude what’s your deal?!

Column 1: “What do you mean what? Have you seen yourself?” Utterly disgraceful. Disgusting, an abomination to our family and our order! Frankly, I fear for you. Its as though you were attacked by DaVinci before he developed perspective.

Column 2: Chill out man. Seriously though, look who’s talking… “All you need is wall,” Really? Can you try being a bit more conceited? I don’t think it comes across very clearly.

Column1: What? [looks down] Those scoundrels! Well at least those hoodlums got something right, but you? Do you even remember the days when you were respectable? The days when proud, courageous noblemen sauntered through our colonnade announcing their triumphs for the eager commoners to hear.

Column 2: Have the paint fumes affected you that much? That’s not what I remember. Man, embrace the times. Live a little. Have some fun. If we weren’t connected by this arch I’d be out enjoying my life just like these kids are. We might look alike but boy are we different. Move on bro. Seriously.

Various Vedutes I

Time Travel

Only in Roma… or Vegas I guess

Due

How does a building meet the ground?

Sometimes the boundary between building and ground, between what is floor and what is wall, is well defined. Changes in material and the switch between vertical and horizontal planes creating a harsh corner connection are really all it takes to define what one walks on and what one leans on. Sometimes this boundary is left obscure. It is when this obscurity is found that a building meets the ground, not merely connects with the ground. A simple building, with no extravagant decoration, exhibits this blurred boundary well. Although a bit dilapidated and clearly not being utilized to its full potential, this building attempts, through several subtle moves, to invite the passerby to approach its otherwise unused walls. How does this building meet the ground? Its walls become a simple water feature, they dip down two small steps below ground level, enough to provide seating, and through this subtle move boldly tries to divert eyes away from the street and towards itself.

Uno

How do I know I’m in Rome? As any well-prepared traveler, I’d come to expect the overwhelming confusion and other hindrances that come with the experience of an unexplored city. I had the feeling I was going to Italy when I encountered multiple delays that I had minimal or no control over. Plane schedules with an agenda of their own, suitcases that preferred strangers’ hands, and an unexplainable feeling of triviality made me aware that I was in Italy. But it wasn’t until the reckless taxi ride home that I truly knew I was in Rome. As I sat in the backseat fuming over the past few hours, I ventured to look out the window to see the perfect postcard image of Rome except it wasn’t a postcard, everything was in motion, full of life and shifting colors. I witnessed Rome’s extensive streets cutting through some of the world’s greatest treasures, displaying the Coliseum like an artifact in a slightly out of scale gallery. Those same galleries displayed, alongside the examples of past marvels, the lights and speed of modern life. Cars sped by leaving their ephemeral ribbons of colored lights temporarily tattooed on ancient backdrops. Two seemingly clashing titans, the modern and the ancient made Rome their permanent home. How do I know I’m truly in Rome? When I can witness a driver on a scooter on the telephone pass under the ever looming presence of the coliseum and manage to not be confused about what century it is.