Claudio Guerrieri

Thesis in Architectural Design

CCCPP – Center for Contemporary Cultures at Porta Portese, Rome

Thesis by Claudio Guerrieri
Sapienza University of Rome – Faculty of Architecture – EU five-year degree thesis
Speaker: Prof. Luca Reale
AA 2012 – 2013

The area under study is located near the historic center of Rome, bordered by the Gianicolensi Walls with Porta Portese, from which the famous market takes its name, via delle Mura Portuensi and via Portuense. It is largely occupied by a bus depot, an artifact of industrial archaeology, and by its continuous fence that prevents crossing and use, by an area of archaeological interest and by the car park of the Municipal Police, whose structure was a hangar from the Second World War that Hitler gave to Mussolini for his seaplane.
The area is part of a larger intervention project by the Municipality of Rome that includes a pedestrian and environmental enhancement project in the entire area between Via Portuense, Via di Porta Portese, the port of Ripa Grande and the base of the Aventine.
The project seeks to establish a dialogue with the surrounding landscape without encroaching on it, eliminating existing fences that impede access, and seeking a connection with the existing structure without resorting to camouflage. The use of new materials, such as perforated Cor-Ten steel panels, serves as a perfect link between past, present, and future—the rust color suggests a connection to the pre-existing historical structures, just as the diamond-shaped ashlar shape of the panels relates to the fortifications. The original features of the hangar, which is being converted into a cultural center, are preserved: the structure is left completely exposed, while the interior panels are clad in translucent white backlit polycarbonate. At night, the surface of the hangar becomes a diffuser of artificial light, like a lamp. Inside the covered/open space, containers and other spaces for various activities are located, connected by pedestrian walkways and terraces, and can be used together or separately.

The redevelopment project includes the restoration and repurposing of the former police car park into a Center for Contemporary Cultures at Porta Portese (CCCPP), the construction of temporary residences for artists and cultural workers, and the redevelopment of the open spaces leading to the Tiber River. A range of recreational facilities, including a skate park, climbing wall, graffiti wall, children's play area, lawn, and a large outdoor performance space, allow local residents to connect through physical activity and games. The continuous paving of the square is 100% permeable and environmentally sustainable, using a special draining concrete that recycles rainwater. The project is completed by a pedestrian promenade along the historic walls connecting Viale Trastevere to the river, and a bike-sharing service with the bike repair shop.