I finally got the pictures to load!!!!!!!!! I will put many more pictures on the blog now that I have figured it out!

First Project

For the first project we were given the task of analyzing four different buildings and how they relate to the overall organization of the city of Rome. Present day Rome came about less through urban planning and more through natural growth. Because of this the city has on one hand a very colorful atmosphere and on the other is a chaotic mash of disorganization. By looking at particular buildings rather than the overall construction of the city one can unlock the underlying order that allows the city to function so effectively. Gaining such an understanding of a city allows both architects and urban designers to meet the needs and demands of the coming era as well as to pay homage to that which came before. At first glance I personally felt that the Baroque style was an extravagant waste of time, money and resources. But the Italian way of life is different than the fast paced East Coast way. Gathering, talking and hanging out are not seen as non-essential parts of life that happen only after all important tasks are completed but part of life itself. That is why spaces like the Campodiglio, St. Peter’s Cathedral and even our own Campo de Fiori developed and why they should be preserved.

Finally got here!!!!!!!

After what seemed like forever I arrived in Italy on the 9th of January. The past week I have been just soaking up the atmosphere trying with to get a handle on things. We live at Campo de Fiori, which is an open-air market during the day and the heart of the social seen at night, every night. The coffee is amazing!!!!!! Expresses will keep you going all day and the cappuccinos are second to none. The people are move at a different pace. They are rushed by nothing. They truly try to enjoy life here, which is a refreshing change to the rush rush mentality of the east coast. That being said we are still architecture student and work still needs to get done.