Architecture Rome: Health and Human Safety in the Eternal City

The Program will examine the historical and contemporary impact of moments of crisis, with a particular focus on systems of infrastructure and accommodation that provide for the health and safety of Rome's citizens. Based on Rome and Italy's recent travails from the Covid-19 pandemic, our interest is in considering how the city will respond to current demands while also facilitating new ways of living. Naturally, the city of Rome has endured many other moments of crisis. The city's past misfortunes include attacks on the physical fabric of the city and threats to the lives of its citizens. Despite these challenges, Rome has been resilient throughout its history, with sites of crisis and despair often intermingling with new visions of the city. We will look at this issue through two specific sites within Rome's walls, the first being at one of the most symbolically important gates in the Aurelian walls (271-75 CE) and the second being at the heart of its ancient historic center. The program will begin with an urban analysis of the historical and contemporary infrastructures related to these two sites that have supported health and human life; including transportation systems, water, sewers and other public services. Each group involved in studying those aspects of these sites will then make proposals that involve the need for public spaces as well as supporting activities that both promote and support human health and safety.