From January 23 through March 1, 2014, the Italian Cultural Institute of Los Angeles will host “The making of a (new) Rome”, an exhibition featuring more than thirty projects realized by architects working in Rome between 2010 and 2013.
By showing amazing examples of contemporary design and architecture in Rome, the initiative is aimed at promoting a new image of the City and boosting tourism by focusing on present and future innovation rather than on past glories. In addition, it also seeks to highlight the exceptional skills of the selected authors and firms, as well as to improve the exchange between Italian and American professionals in this field.
All of the works to be showcased have made a major urban impact by experimenting new architectural languages. Among them are projects by Massimiliano Fuksas like The Cloud Convention Center, Franco Purini’s Eurosky skyscraper, the residential complex Giustiniano Imperatore by ABDR, King Roselli’s Library at the Pontificia Università Lateranense, Max Pintore’s Ponte della Scienza (Bridge of Science), and the Fair of Rome by Studio Valle.
The projects have been selected by a joint committee designated by OAR, ACER, and Fondazione Almagià, and they are presented through photographs, drawings, short texts, and even some scale models. A video dedicated to contemporary architecture in Rome, featuring interviews with some of the protagonists, will be also screened throughout the exhibit.
On the occasion of the opening on January 22, a panel discussion on “Contemporary Architecture in Historic Urban Environments – The Case of Rome” will be held at the Italian Cultural Institute. It will be moderated by Livio Sacchi, President of the Association of Architects in Rome, with the participation of Italian and American guests such as architects Arabella Rocca from Studio Alvisikirimoto, Marco Petreschi, Paulette Singley from Woodbury School of Architecture, and Patrik Tighe from Tighe Architecture.
The exhibition has been organized by the IIC, OAR (Ordine degli Architetti Pianificatori Paesaggisti e Conservatori di Roma e Provincia), ACER (Associazione dei Costruttori Edili di Roma), and Fondazione Almagià, under the auspices of the Consulate General of Italy in Los Angeles and in collaboration with the Italian Trade Commission in Los Angeles, the American Institute of Architects in Los Angeles, and Woodbury School of Architecture.
With over 17.000 members, OAR – the Association of Architects in Rome – is a cutting-edge professional organization in Italy and the largest in Europe. Its activity has been carried out not only at a regional and national level, but also internationally through participation in European representative organizations, agreements, and memoranda of understanding with other institutions.
Today, also thanks to the creation of Casa dell’Architettura and the Study Centre, OAR is a hub of international connections fostering cultural exchanges and creating collaboration opportunities among professionals from different countries.
For 70 years ACER – the Builders’ Association of Rome – has been gathering almost 3000 small, medium and big construction companies located in Rome and its Province, as a local branch of ANCE – the National Builders’ Association. ACER offers information and assistance in many sectors, from public works to city planning, from private building to labor, safety, tax, and administrative issues.
It also organizes training seminars and refresher courses to keep pace with the evolution of the industry on a technical and legal base. Connected with the Association is also ISVEUR – the Institute for City Planning and Building Development -, which coordinates operations of social housing, urban development, infrastructuring, and financing.
Last but not least, Fondazione Almagià is a cultural foundation established in 1947 by ACER in memory of engineer Roberto Almagià, who was the first President of the Association, with the goal of supporting construction companies through research studies, training activities, and other initiatives including sponsorships, publications, grants, prizes, and events relating to innovation in the building sector.
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