in collaboration with: SSA – SCATTOLA SIMEONI ARCHITETTI
PARADOX
The restoration and enhancement of Palazzo Braschi present an obvious paradox. On one hand, there is a need to conserve the artifact for historical, cultural, and legal reasons. On the other hand, there is an urgent need to modernize it. The building, which once had a strong identity, now lacks it. The architectural structure is very rigid, but the plan for its use requires flexibility and adaptability over time. The building holds both architectural and urban planning value due to its strategic positioning within the urban fabric. It serves as both a public and private space. The proposed project aims to provide clear and coherent solutions to these paradoxical questions while tapping into its full potential.
Palazzo Braschi serves as a link between the square in front and the park behind it. Because of its location and spaciousness, the building can facilitate and be part of the main pedestrian pathways. Multiple entrances make it very usable and versatile, offering both private and public access.
The building mainly consists of small to medium-sized spaces and does not have large areas for accommodating a large number of people. We propose to create a multipurpose room called IPOGEA in the back courtyard of the building. A pavilion will be built to protect the upper steps, control the climate, and provide access from the back. It can also be used for various public functions. The underground room will be the focal point of the system, serving as the center of two main pedestrian connections and city activities.
The biggest challenge of the project is the modernization of the building’s systems. Our proposal involves strategically installing two external columns in the rear courtyard. Additionally, we plan to install two metal exoskeletons in which both the elevators and the systems will be located. These exoskeletons will be inserted directly into the ground in the attics. The two external “towers” contrast with the building, bringing attention to both the historicity of the building and the contemporaneity of the intervention. We believe that keeping all the systems outside is a smart choice, as it allows for easy access for maintenance and optimizes the intervention. It also utilizes the volume of the elevators to efficiently distribute the systems vertically.
