VIRTUAL Barcelona

Abstract

In preparation for my upcoming residency at the American Academy in Rome, I am researching the interplay between historical narrative, contemporary urban life, and speculative histories. This research delves into historical maps, written texts, and design proposals by Giambattista Nolli (1740s) and Michael Graves/Colin Rowe (1970s). The central concept under examination is “public interiority,” which involves the transformation of external spaces to emulate the characteristics of internal spaces. Through an in-depth analysis of these works, I seek to comprehensively understand public interiority and its manifestation in contemporary Rome, influenced by historical built conditions and classical Roman architecture. I will argue for a better understanding of public interior-like spaces by examining the works of Graves/Rowe and Nolli. Additionally, I will review literature related to buildings, artifacts, and narratives at Palatine Hill, both real and fictional. Furthermore, I will discuss the current state of interior public spaces in contemporary Rome, influenced by 18th-century structures and classical Roman architecture. Graves’ Roma Interrotta aimed to create something modern and relevant to Rome. Today, the area consists of various local interactions and experiences illustrating public interiority, influenced by history and potential future developments.