Monte Sacro
This study of the Roman periphery employs various levels of analytics to examine major urban trends and the potential for improvement in the neighborhood of Monte Sacro. Approximately eight kilometers north west of Rome’s city center, Monte Sacro lies on the northern bank of the Aniene River. Its unique garden city plan, originating from a 1919 design by Gustavo Giovannoni, has retained many structural characteristics since its inception. However, various issues related to traffic, street and infrastructure maintenance, public space degradation, and poor internal connectivity have caused problems within the neighborhood. This report attempts to analyze these problems through three themes: image, livability, and activity. Using these guides, we began our report conducting street surveys, gathering statistical data from ISTAT, and conducting citizen interviews. Our statistics are comprised of diverse data including population density, employment, education, etc. We used this data in tandem with the surveys and interviews to establish a stronger vision and understanding of the neighborhood’s dynamics. We continued our study by examining streets and infrastructure, building typology, land use, and public space. Each major theme is represented in these sections. For example, within streets and infrastructure we include maps and graphics illustrating street hierarchy, primary, secondary, and tertiary street cross sections, as well as a parking provision map to specifically determine livability, image, and activity. After our primary research on the neighborhood was complete, we performed a SWOT analysis to determine the strengths and weaknesses of future design interventions in the community. We conclude the report with a series of prescriptive design guidelines and a vision statement that will focus our redesign efforts on five major themes in the neighborhood: network of spaces, placemaking, walkability, sustainability, and historical conservation. We include our preliminary 3-D renderings in order to provide the reader with an understanding of our future design effort. Various appendices cover city comparisons from Torino and Venice as well as including our survey forms and additional citizen Lynch maps.