Viewing the site from across the Tiber, with Prof. Daisy Williams.

On my first night in Rome, University of Oregon Prof. Daisy Williams took me to see the site in Rome that her students are using for their architectural design project. It’s across the Tiber River from where we’re standing in the above photo.

The site comes to life in the summer–in a way I’d not gotten to see before.  (I usually visit Rome in May, before the walkway becomes active.)  I’ve included photos of our visit to the waterfront, so you can join us on our tour.

Prof. Williams has asked her students to re-design the embankment wall in this area, so that it can be used for screening films, and so that it connects street and water-front walkways more comfortably.

You can see from the image above that the walkway often floods. This is an issue the students need to take into account in their designs.

View of the site from street level.

An existing stair down to the river.

In July, the space is filled with bars and restaurants.

These women are getting their palms read.

The temporary restaurants…

…are quite comfortable during evening hours….

…with many person-sized nooks and crannies.

There’s an exhibition of architecture/urban design proposals…

…for a very similar project to the one Prof. Williams assigned.

This is one of the models on display.

It’s a lovely place to be at sunset….

…and an effective use of an awkward space.