Naumachia
- Year 2024
- Location IT - Rome
- Client -
- Program Our proposal for the competition "unfinished colosseum" consists in creating a very shallow water mirror basin, that could have several benefits both cultural and historical. It reproduces and recalls the first period of the Amphitheatre, when the basement had not yet been excavated, and several “Naumachie” (naval battles) were organized, flooding the central arena. It recalls also the previous “Stagnum Neronis”, the artificial pond constructed by Nero, within the emperor residence (Domus Aurea), where the Colosseum was afterwards built. Integrates the tradition of the fountains, that characterizes the city of Rome. As a physical answer to the main environmental challenges, the water mirror basin, due to the constant water evaporation, may balance the stone heat gain, by lowering the surrounding air temperature of several degrees. During the hot days, that are expected to increase in the next years, visitors will find a pleasant “passive” refreshment, enjoying the barefoot walk on the water mirror (few cm deep). Removing the water will allow the organisation of events in the new flat arena floor. The project is totally demountable and reversible, and will not have any strong impact on the monument, nor damage the existing structure.
- Dimensions -
- Status Competition
- Design Studio BLU architecture
- Team E. Garnaoui (principal), F. Bosco
- Cost -
