3. Studio Progress and day trip to Ostia Antica

After returning, to Rome, from our four day trip to the Amalfi coast we got right back into the swing of things with regards to history tours, sketching lessons and studio work this week.  On Tuesday we presented our site analysis findings during which we go some good feedback from Matt, and our peers on how we can better portray our findings for the next portion of our studio project.  Since the critique we have been working individually on defining programs for the two Piazzas: Piazza dei Ponziani and Piazza di Sant’Egidio.  Our studio is located between the two piazzas, in Piazza di Santa Maria in Transtevere, making site visits to both piazzas, to collect results such as circulation patterns and noting activities at all times of the day, very convenient.  On Thursday we will present our program/design ideas and from there we will proceed developing the design for only one piazza.  


On Friday, 6.8.12, we visited Ostia Antica.  It was interesting to walk around the site and get a feel for the ancient city.  Visiting Ostia Antica was a different experience than that of visiting The Forum in Rome, and the Greek Temples in Paestum.  I think it is because for the most part Ostia Antica has been well preserved, even with the flooding of the Tiber River, the sacks by the Vandals in 2^nd Century A.D, a major earthquake in 346, and a tsunami in the 400s.  Being able to walk on and around the ruins was another liberty that added to the educational experience.  Walking through the bath houses, and standing behind the counter of an old eating place provided me with a more personal sense of the spaces inhibited so many years ago.

The picture below is a counter at which I imagine food was once served at:

I have enjoyed the last two field trips we have taken, to the Amalfi Coast, including a day in Paestum, and Ostia Antica, and the historical information I have learned , but I also look forward to other Historical tours we take in Rome.  One coming up at the end of this month is entitled Sustainable Urbanism, scheduled to be given by Tom Rankin.

Until next week, Ciao!