Street Benches: Monteverde

Public housing projects exist in almost every neighborhood beyond the historic center, thereby creating mixed communities of rich and poor, upper-middle class and lower-middle class.  The projects in Monteverde (Vecchio, but especially Nuovo) date to late in the Fascist era, and they come with one feature we've not encountered elsewhere: "permanent" sidewalk benches fashioned of concrete and brick.  Configurations differ.  One set, on via Ozanam as it approaches

via di Donna Olimpia, features separate tables--probably intended as benches.  Although the street slopes quite acutely coming down the hill from Piazza San Giovanni di Dio, the stone tables been leveled with bases that reverse the sidewalk grade.  Note that  the merchants whose shops are on this street have converted the benches into tables by supplying their own chairs--and some of their own tables. 





Via di Donna Olimpia, which separates Monteverde Vecchio from Monteverde Nuovo, also has permanent places designed for sidewalk sociability.  This one faces away from the street.








And viale dei Quattro Venti has more complex seating arrangements than a linear bench provides, designed so that users may face different directions but can, if they like, sit in the same "area."   Bill


The garbage and trash cans offer a nice touch

 

 

Life amid scooters

 

The Curves of Modernism

We're admirers of curvilinear modernism, a 20th-century architectural style that combines the ordered discipline of pure rationalism with the playful energy and dynamism of the curve.

We have several examples from the byways of Rome, none from places where tourists are common, or where one normally looks for architectural wonders.

The first, visible from the platform at the Ostiense train station (we're referring to the Fascist-era building on the left of the photo), was probably intended as a central work station for the rail lines that move through the facility. You'll find it on Itinerary 4 in Rome the Second Time.

Another lovely arc (right) graces the top floor of a small apartment building in Monteverde, across from the bus stop on via Fratelli Bonnet, between via Carini and the wall.




Down the hill from there, in the back of the huge public housing project at via di Donna Olimpia and via Ozanam, you'll find the delightful set of concave curves

featured below.


And a great set of powerful balconies, racing around a corner.

Bill