VIA DEI FORI IMPERIALI

Ideas for re-design of Via dei Fori Imperiali with goal of maintaining public access, avoiding museification, and protecting archaeological sites.

Two extremes:
1. Close it off to traffic and extend the archaeological park of the Roman Forum as far as Trajan's Markets. The result: more Rome for tourists, less Rome for Romans. Sure, the park would be great for Romans, and probably a drag for a lot of tourists, but that's the general idea.
2. Keep it the way it is. Well, we know what that is like. Not so great. Speeding in a cab toward the Colosseum late at night or buzzing past the Forum of Caesar on a Vespa are pretty cool experiences, but pushing your way through souvenir hawkers and pickpockets along the narrow sidewalk with cars flying past is not.

My suggestion. Some excavation, some new building, keep the road, dig beneath it, bridge over it. Let cars and buses go fast, but create places for contemplation as well. Occupy the site with activity, even housing and commerce. Let new construction react to the palimpsest, be shaped by it or contrast with it according to design intention. Knit together the area from the Palatine to the Quirinale with landscape and architecture. Consider 24/7 access in different ways. Encourage responsible occupation to create a culture of observation to prevent vandalism and theft.