OLD TIBER, NEW EDGE

To reconnect Rome with the Tiber River, addressing the disconnection caused by 19th-century embankment walls and urban highways. Historically the river has been central to Roman daily life, the Tiber’s role has diminished over time as embankments and infrastructure transformed it into an inaccessible boundary rather than an integral part of the city’s daily rhythms. This project proposes solutions to reclaim the riverfront as a vital, engaging urban space.

Beginning in Trastevere, the design reimagines the area surrounding existing schools, such as a University and a kindergarten, into a cohesive school complex. Inspired by Roman fabric aesthetics, this redesign extends toward the riverfront, harmonizing with its historic surroundings while introducing gradient pathways and multi-functional public small piazzas. The lowered urban edge offers seamless integration of education, community engagement, and accessibility, reestablishing a visible connection to the river.

A key intervention is the introduction of stepping-stone pathways across the river, inspired by historical flood and drought cycles that once made parts of the Tiber naturally crossable. This alternative path not only enhances connectivity but also draws from the river’s natural rhythms to create a dynamic spatial experience. On Tiber Island, the design extends the urban gesture with the Tiber Institute, a cultural hub featuring museums, galleries, and art spaces. Positioned opposite the ancient Ponte Sisto, the Institute bridges the past and present, inviting visitors to reflect on the Tiber’s significance while engaging with contemporary programs. These interventions are complemented by an overarching urban gesture that integrates new programmatic functions—community spaces, educational venues, and cultural landmarks—into the city’s inbetween spaces, transforming voids into vibrant hubs of activity.

The project celebrates Rome’s layered history while offering a vision for an accessible, inclusive, and culturally enriched planning. Through thoughtful design, it transforms the Tiber from a boundary into a shared public resource, reuniting the city with its ancient river again.