LEARNING FROM ROME
Why Architectural Representation?

Drawings:

1. Casa Rustica, American Academy, Rome (15/4/03)
2. Forum Boarium, Rome (3/7/02)
3. Palazzo Corigliano, Naples (August, 2003)
4. Porticus of Octavia, Rome (22/4/04)
5. S. Agnese in Agone, Rome (17/11/03)
6. Tempietto, Rome (15/5/04)
7. Villa Lante, Bagnaia (April, 2002)

The architect’s study of the past is most directly related to the design process when the inquiry involves careful drawing. Whether in the form of field sketches, or analytical studies, observational drawing processes visual information into three dimensional form, measured units, and conceptual strategies. Rome, of course, is the model city for drawing, a palimpsest of architectural language, urban design, and cultural memory. From its legendary origins through the many transformations it received over time, Rome has remained the urbs aeterna (eternal city). The lessons derived from touring Italian cities and towns are perhaps the most important tools we have today in facing the challenge of restoring our cities and providing a more humane and harmonious face to the natural and built environment.