Context Reports 3rd Year 2011 1

INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, SLIGO: SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING: BA (HONS) IN INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE
MODULE TITLE: CULTURAL CONTEXT TERRITORY, IDENTITY, ARCHITECTURE

MODULE CODE: CCON 304
STAGE:3 Tutor: EOD SESSION: 2010 - 2011

0

Cultural Context 3

Assignment 2
for Emmet ODoherty

By
Mark Kiely

A Report on Urban Design and Landscape Design
strategies for an Irish Embassy in Rome

Submitted to:
Institute of Technology, Sligo
in candidacy for a
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Interior Architecture

Mark Kiely 2011


1

Urban Design Report
Table of Contents Page
Introduction 2
Proposals & Discussion 3
Executive Summary 7
References 8

Landscape Design Report
Table of Contents Page
Introduction 2
Proposals & Discussion 3
Executive Summary 7
References 8


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FIGURE:1 ITALY, EUROPE (A = ROME, ITALY)
Introduction

The following report is an urban and landscape design analysis and strategy proposal for an Irish
embassy on the Piazza dei Quiriti located in the Parti district of Rome, Italy. It represents my
analysis and strategic proposals for the piazza on a city, district and local scale and how the urban
context of the piazza influenced these zones retrospectively. Concluding on how and what can be
changed to make the piazza more influential to its future surrounding context.
To do this I had to undertake an analysis of Rome city from the view point of the Piazza dei Quiriti
with the aim of making the piazza more influential and functional to its surrounding context.
The criteria I used to carry out this analysis are:
Primary Patterns - Natural features (mountains, rivers)
Secondary Patterns - Man made features ( transport routes)
Tertiary Patterns - Art, Music, Literature ( cultural influences)
Quaternary Patterns - Pedestrian movements, vista's and greenery
The above criteria was then analysed under the following Scales:
City / Town scale - Paths (movement corridors, routes)
- Nodes (activity centres)
- Edges (e.g. river edge, canal, road edge)
- Landmarks (used for way finding)
- Districts (character areas)
District / Local scale - Permeability, connectivity & linage
- Hierarchy
- Plot ratio / site coverage
- Good Fit / synergy

Neighbourhood & Site - Access
- Private & Public Realm
- Human Behaviour
- Architectural


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Urban Analysis


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FIGURE 2: Piazza dei Quiriti, Rome, Italy - Site (Irish Embassy site outlined in red).

PRIMARY PATTERNS:

FIGURE 3: ROME CLIMATE GRAPH FIGURE 4: PIAZZA DEI QUIRITI SUN PATH DIAGRAM

PRIMARY PATTERNS:

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FIGURE 5: NATURAL SURROUNDING CONTEXT AND VIEWS TOWARDS SITE FROM THE SUROUNDING MOUNTAINS.

The primary patterns that I analysed first were the natural forces inflicted on the site and the
climate these forces created. Shown in Figure 3 The Rome Climate Graph and Figure 4 The Sun Path
Diagram, these analysis tools allowed me to understand the natural surrounding climate of the site
and the artificial climate created due to the site location and its surrounding context. We can see
from the climate graph that the average temperature is 15C adding this to a low rainfall and wind
speed creates a very harsh urban climate. This climate will require allot of shading for cooling if the
piazza is to create a good public realm. The location of the site also has an influence but due to the
nature of its surrounding built environment and the enclosure it creates, The existing shading
created is very influential on how and where added shading is required.
Figure 5 above shows the natural features that surround the site. To the northwest and east there
are mountain ranges that cannot be viewed from the site due to its enclosed nature created from
the surrounding built environment. The river Tiber which divides the city of Rome runs from north to
south of the city, east of the site. There is not a direct connect from the site to the river Tiber but it
is accessible, within a close walking proximity. Taking this analysis of the primary features into
account in relation to the location of the site and its connections to them it is my conclusion that
they do not have a great baring on the site due to its enclosed nature which also allows for no visual
links. The connection of the site to the river Tiber can be improved on by influencing pedestrian
movement to and from the piazza.

RIVER TIBER
SITE
N

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SECOUNDARY PATTERNS:

FIGURE 6: STRATEGIC LOCATION

The secondary patterns analysis as shown in figure 6 above gave my design proposal the
information required to understand the surrounding areas of importance on a city and district scale.
Figure 6 clearly shows the location of the site (Piazza dei Quiriti) in relation to other areas of
significance like the main shopping districts, Vatican City, Piazza Adriana. Links should be created
through various design methods to make the Piazza dei Quiriti a more influential and vibrant city
hub for Roman citizens.

KEY: = PIAZZA
= MAIN SHOPPING
DISTRICTS
= SITE
M = METRO STATIONS
= DESIRED LINKS

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SECOUNDARY PATTERNS:
FIGURE 7: WALKING CIRCLES FROM SITE (5 MINUTES 400M, 10 MINUTES 800M & 20 MINUTES 1600M)
By using the tool of walking circles shown in figure 6.1 & 7 I could determine the possibilities of
links I could create throughout the district and what amenities where already available to my design
proposal. This analysis clearly shows what type of business already exist within the district and also
what means of public transport is available to the district. We can clearly see in figure 7 that there is
one metro station within 10 minutes walking distance of the piazza that has a direct link to the main
shopping street, Via Cola di Rienzo. This analysis tells me that it would be possible to influence
pedestrian movement on route to Via Cola di Rienzo towards the piazza from the metro station.

FIGURE 6.1: LIST OF SURROUNDING
BUISINESS WITHIN A 5 MINUTE WALKING
CIRCLE OF THE PIAZZA DEI QUIRITI.
Via Cola di Rienzo

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TERTIARY PATTERNS:

FIGURE 8: GEOMETRY OF DISTRICT FIGURE 9: GEOMETRY OF PIAZZA DEI QUIRITI

FIGURE 10: QUIRITI FOUNTAIN DESIGNED BY ATTILIO SELVA - 1920
The Tertiary patterns shown in figure 8 & 9 show the geometry of the district which is made up of a
rigid grid and the geometry of the piazza which takes on a circular form but with the use of a surface
paving brick a grid layout is repeated to divide the pedestrian zone from the traffic zones. This
surface treatment keeps the piazza in context with its surrounding geometry.

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Figure 10 shows the fountain design located within the piazza the fountain portrays the Art of the
time and the extravagant nature of roman society and their strong link to water features seen
throughout the city . It was built in the 1920's to embellish the region, at the time it was seen as a
controversial work as it portrays figures of naked ladies in contrast to the normal male figures used
in native Roman fountain design.

QUATERNARY PATTERNS:
FIGURE 11: PIAZZA DEI QUIRITI PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT FIGURE 12: DISTRICT TRAFFIC PATTERNS AND METRO LINE
Pedestrian movement (shown in figure 11) through the piazza is heavily influenced by the traffic
movement (shown in figure 12) through the piazza as the traffic movement dictates the location of
the pedestrian crossing. Pedestrians moving from north to south or vice-versa are forced to walk
around the out skirts of the piazza and never venture into the public seating area in the centre
making this a wasted space. Pedestrians moving from west to east though are more inclined to walk
through the piazza as there is only a one traffic system in place. As shown in figure 12 the piazza
has a main two way traffic system running through it from north to south, one of only two in the
district. This traffic system hinders the piazza potential of becoming a public realm. Therefore it is a
problem that must be solved if the Piazza is going to become a new social hub for the Parti district.
FIGURE 13: PLANTED TREES FIGURE 14:SURROUNDING BUILDINGS FIGURE 15: PEDESTRIAN ST. VIEWS
Figure 13 - 15 shown the characteristics of the surrounding area and the views available to
pedestrians moving to and from the piazza.

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Urban Design Strategy

FIGURE 20: EXISTING MAIN SHOPPING DISTRICT ANALYSIS ANCIENT ROME

Main Shopping District
= Spanish Arch = Main Shopping Streets = Pedestrian Link
District Edge & Links
= PIAZZA DEI QUIRITI
= PLACE OF IMPORTANCES
= DESIRE LINES (LINKS TO BE CREATED)

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FIGURE 21: DISTRICT EDGE WITH CREATION OF DESIRE LINES TO AND FROM SITE.

FIGURE 22: EXISTING TRAFFIC SYSTEM ANALYSIS

Existing two way traffic system
Irish Embassy Site
Proposed pedestrianism
Proposed new two way

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FIGURE 23: BASIC PROPOSED URBAN STARTEGY

FIGURE 24: PROPOSED URBAN STRATEGY PHASE 1 OF 4

Proposed new two way & shared surface Plan C
Proposed new two way & shared surface Plan D

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FIGURE 25: PROPOSED URBAN STRATEGY PHASE 2 OF 4

FIGURE 26: PROPOSED URBAN STRATEGY PHASE 3 & 4 OF 4
My urban design strategy shown in figure 20 - 26 is a four phase proposal, with phrase one to be
implemented with immediate effect and phrase two, three and four each dependent on the success
of the previous phase. The proposal is an approach which is already successfully used throughout
Rome's urban fabric shown in figure 20. The analysis of the existing main shopping district show
how successful the existing urban strategy is. It links main public gathering areas and piazza's to
the main shopping district. When in Rome
you quickly realise there importance and
dependence on one another.
The final desired outcome shown in figure
26. Is to completely pedestrianise the
immediate streets off the piazza and too
make the adjoining secondary
streets a shared surfaced. These
Proposed new two way & shared surface Plan D Complete Total Ped
Main Shopping District
= Spanish Arch = Main Shopping Streets = Pedestrian Link

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secondary streets will be open to traffic for a set time barrier for the purpose of servicing and rush
hour traffic. This in turn makes the streets surrounding the main block into a ring road so that all
the piazza is still accessible to traffic if required.

FIGURE 24: PHASE 1 TO BE IMPLMENTED IMMEDIATELY

If we are to look at phrase one in more detail shown in figure 24. We can see that the streets to the
south and to the east of the piazza are proposed to become completely pedestrianised and the
following adjoining streets to become shared surfaces for pedestrian and traffic movement. The
reason behind pedestrianising these streets is to create the required links and desire lines to
influence pedestrian movement to and from the main surrounding amenities. The street to the east
links the piazza to the main available metro station and creating a visual link to draw pedestrians
into the piazza and from there to guide them back on their original route south to the main shopping
street in the Parti district or vice-versa. The Streets running north of the piazza will remain a two
way traffic system which will be joined by the street to the west also becoming a two way traffic
Proposed new two way & shared surface Plan C
FIGURE 20: EXISTING MAIN SHOPPING DISTRICT ANALYSIS
ANCIENT ROME

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system. this allows for all the accessibility necessary to service the piazza and surrounding
businesses.

Executive Summary
It is intended that my urban design strategy for the Patri district of Rome Italy will allow the Piazza
dei Quiriti to become a focal point for the regeneration and repurposing of the Parti region. Making it
an important feature of the Roman cityscape, that will provide a much needed public realm to the
west of the Tiber river. To do this I have proposed to use various design methods which will be
exploded in more detail in my landscape design proposal, to influence the pedestrian movement
from the existing metro station towards the Piazza dei Quiriti and onwards to other areas of
importance such as the main shopping street located to the south, vatican city and other
surrounding piazza's. The streets that are to be pedestrianised directly south and east of the piazza
will also be heavily influenced by the allocation of external seating areas used to create miniature
hubs or social gatherings. These seating areas will act as visual connection points to and from the
piazza, allowing it to draw the user into its centre. These miniature gathering areas create social
hubs leading up to the Piazza's main centre, this will create a vibrant social realm that vibrates a
real sense of place within the community. By doing this visitors and everyday users will want to be
part of the dynamic social realm created by the pedestianised Piazza dei Quiriti.
People, life and vitality are the biggest attractions in a city. We see it in the choice of peoples
seating, where the most populated benches are located, how people choose to sit on sidewalk cafes
facing the people walking by rather than the buildings behind them. The biggest quality of a
sidewalk caf is simply the interaction with other people. Do you have a choice between walking
through a deserted, empty street and a street with other people walking, people will choose the
liveliest street that provides them with more experiences, visual variety and a feeling of safety. Life
in cities is a great quality not only when it comes to the discussion of a single street but also when
discussing neighbourhoods and cities as a whole. Issues on life are related to the urban environment
and the quality of an urban environment depends on the life and vitality of a place. Jan Gehl,
newspaper article summer 2002

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FIGURE 6: STRATEGIC LOCATION & LINKS

Urban Design Concept

CONCEPTUAL STATEMENT:
To design a district that interverts the everyday route of the Patri community. Through the
expression of art, culture and architecture and its ability to teach, provoke and influence its users.
By using the tool of architecture to create a theatre for life's emotions to be challenged, provoked
and experienced.

FIGURE 16: IRISH LANDSCAPE PATTERNS FIGURE 17: IRISH ARTIST LANDSCAPE


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FIGURE 18: IRISH STREETSCAPE FIGURE 19: IRISH ARTIST STREETSCAPE

My urban design concept is to create an Irish public realm within the Parti district of Rome that will
be centred around the new Irish embassy that will be housed in the northwest quarter of the piazza.
For my proposal I drew from existing Irish streetscapes, natural landscape patterns and artistic
impressions of these precedents to create a sense of irish identity with in the district. Figure 16 -19
shows some of the precedent studies that I drew influence from. I propose to create a unique sense
of place within the district that is heavily influences by Irish cultural townscapes use of colour and
the need of Irish citizens to stamp a sense of ownership apoun their buildings. I also drew influence
from Irish fields patterns (shown in Fig 16 &17) that emit from or suppress towards a town centre.
My design proposal will have a contemporary approach but must works in empathy with the existing.
The main goal of my landscape design proposal is to draw the everyday user into the near by streets
and onto the piazza itself.

Urban Landscape Design
INTRODUCTION:
Following on from the urban strategy in which I have proposed to development the Piazza dei Quiriti
into a new central hub for the Patri distrist of Rome. I will also present throughout the following
report the Landscape design I think would be best suited to this urban strategy and the conceptual
statement I have presented. Focusing on phase one of the urban design strategy I will present the
architectural tools and method I used to landscape the Piazza dei Quiriti and the adjoining streets.
Step 1
The creation of visible visual connections from points of interest such as the metro station or main
shopping street, that lead or draw the passing foot traffic onto the adjoining streets of the piazza,
diverting their everyday journey by creating a new one.

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FIGURE 28. POSITIONED AT STREET ENTRANCES
CREATING A VISUAL GATE WAYS & ALINK TO THE PIAZZA

FIGURE 29.1
FIGURE 27. RED LINES REPRESENT POSITIONING FOR VISUAL PATTERN LINKS

FIGURE 29. LIGHTS POSITED BETWEEN COBBLE STONES GUIDE THE PEDESTRIANS THROUGH THE STREET SCAPE
Figure 27 - 29 shows the visual features I intend to use to draw the everyday user and passing foot
traffic into the adjoining streets and onwards to the piazza. These features will also giving the
streetscape its own unique contemporary identity.

Step 2
The idea of giving each shop front its own identity in keeping with my conceptual ideas. The method
in which I choose to do this had to be sympathetic to the existing built environment while also not
changing or altering the existing facades that are existing at present. Therefore the method I used
was to use a surface pattern that leads the user down the middle of the street like the lights
between the cobbles stones show above in step 1 and then either side of that pattern I propose to
give each shop front its own unique identity through the use of different surface patterns and
treatments (as show below). Also along with the surface treatments I also suggest the use of trees
and colourful beam elements to give each shop front its own identity these features will also tie into
my conceptual approach to bring colour into the streetscape.

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FIGURE 31: GRASS SURFACE TREATMENT
FIGURE 31.1: LIGHTS USED AS GUIDE
FIGURE 30. TOOLS USED TO GIVE SHOP
FRONTS THEIR OWN IDENTITY
FIGURE 32: COLOURFUL BEAMS FIGURE 32.1: TREES LINING
STREET
Figure 30 shows how the different locations of each
method can mark and give a unique identity to the facade
and function it sits in front. The types of treatment will
then vary as to weather it needs external seating or not.
Figure 31 - 32.1 show various treatments that can be
utilised.

Step 3
The approach I used here was to use trees and greenery to add shade and seating where required
and for it to define the difference between an active and passive space. The use of trees
also links the streetscape to the piazza that has an existing green centre.
FIGURE 31.2: BRICK SURFACE TREATMENT

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FIGURE 35: TREES USED TO GUIDE PEDESTRIANS THROUGH THE STREET AND INTO ITS CENTRE SQUARE
Figures 33-35 show how I intend to treat the streetscapes when it comes to greenery and how they
can be used in the development and implementation of my concept to draw the user into the piazza.

Step 4
Step four involved bringing all the precedent studies and their pattern layouts together, to create an
external space that draws the passing pedestrians into its centre while allowing them to carry out a
various range of actives or just to simply pass through the piazza. Therefore the space created just
like a play had to make the passing audience want to be a part of it. By doing this it will change the
everyday experiences of the Parti community intern-changing the experiences and dynamic's of the
Piazza dei Quiriti for the better.
FIGURE 34: GRASS SEATING PERU FIGURE 33: PLAN OF TREE LAYOUT TO GUIDE PEDESTRIANS FROM PASSIVE TO
ACTIVE AREAS.
FIGURE 34: GRASS SEATING PERU

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FIGURE 36: STREET
VIEW DIRECTION
FIGURE 36.1: EXITISTING VIEW FROM THE SOUTH
TOWARDS THE PIAZZA
FIGURE 37: SHOWS THE OVERLAY OF THE STEP 1 - 3
The following images will show streetscapes of the urban landscape design I have proposed to
implement, which is centred around the Piazza dei Quiriti.

FIGURE 38: NEW URBAN LANSCAPE DESIGN SHOWING VIEW FROM THE SOUTH TOWARDS THE PIAZZA

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Streetscape
FIGURE 39: STREETSCAPE VIEW FROM SOUTH

FIGURE 40: STREETSCAPE VIEW FROM SOUTH ONTO PIAZZA

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Streetscapes
FIGURE 41: SHOWS THE VIEW FROM THE CENTRE OF THE PIAZZA TO WARDS THE EAST & THE PROPOSED NEW IRISH
PAVILLION

FIGURE 42: SHOWS THE VIEW FROM THE EAST TOWARDS THE PIAZZA DEI QUIRITI


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Streetscapes

FIGURE 43: STREETSCAPE FROM THE EAST TOWARDS THE PIAZZA

FIGURE 44: STREETSCAPE FROM THE EAST TOWARDS THE PIAZZA


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Streetscapes

FIGURE 45: VIEW FROM THE EAST ON ENTERING THE PIAZZA DEI QUIRITI

FIGURE 46: SOUTHEAST ISOMETHRIC VIEW OF PIAZZA DEI QUIRITI URBAN LANDSACPE PROPOSAL


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Executive Summary

References

This must contain at least two books and must be formatted as follows: (Author, year, Title, Place, Publisher)
Books
Cuff, D. (1991) Architecture: The Story of Practice. Boston, MIT Press
Essay or chapter in a book by different author
Jones, D. (2000). Architectural education and the profession. In Nicol, D. & Pilling, S. (Eds.), Changing Architectural
Education: Towards a new profession. London: E & F N Spon.

Websites
This is how you cite a website:
National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), (2003). Developing Senior Cycle Education Report on the
Consultative Process: Report on consultative meetings, seminars and submissions. [Online], Accessed on 19
th

January, 2008, from http://www.ncca.ie/uploadedfiles/Publications/SCConsultRpt.pdf

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INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, SLIGO: SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING: BA (HONS) IN INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE

MODULE TITLE: CULTURAL CONTEXT TERRITORY, IDENTITY, ARCHITECTURE

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