Piazza Trilussa, Trastevere, Delight in Architecture

Piazza Trilussa is a well designed space as it is frequently used and pleasant to occupy. This special place exhibits successful elements outlined in “Delight in Architecture.”

Proximity:

Both proximity of objects within the site and the site in proximity to other landmarks/ significant spaces is relevant to Piazza Trilussa. This piazza is located directly to the west of the Tiber River, an important navigational landmark within Rome, separated only by a single road: Lungotevere della Farnesina. Piazza Santa Maria is the other piazza within Trastevere. The close proximity between these two piazzas allows travelers to easily access both spaces and to further understand the complex streets of Trastevere.

Proximity within Piazza Trilussa itself refers to the placement of objects within the space. Trilussa has a main monument located on a large set of stairs which open to the piazza. A smaller monument surrounded by grass and a set of stairs occupies the north side of the Piazza while shops and bars line the south. A few benches provide seating in the center of the piazza. Placement of the large monument allows cars and pedestrians to easily spot the piazza from the busy street and even the other side of the river, while the benches and shops draw people into the site.

Repetition:

Piazza Trilussa doesn’t seem to contain much repetition besides the stone pattern that makes up the piazza ground plane and the brick within the monument. The scale of this repetition seems to be appropriate for this small scale piazza.

Simplest and Largest Figures:

The fountain monument on site is the largest and simplest figure. It is the landmark of the site due to its size and form. The smaller statue/ monument on site compliments the larger one.

Figure/Ground Relationship:

I’ve observed that Piazza Trilussa acts as a stage activated by the people; they become the figures. Piazza Trilussa is known as a meeting place with a large set of stairs and benches to sit. The interactions between people are on display within this square.

Proportion:

Observing the grand fountain monument today, I notice the odd proportions of the monument; however, within the space it is at an appropriate scale. Behind the smaller statue a building is currently being renovated and thus covered by scaffolding and a large yellow and white advertisement. Unfortunately this advertisement overwhelms the site, but other than that, the surrounding buildings are proportional to the piazza as well as to each other.

Scale:

The scale of Piazza Trilussa is well suited for the small, congested neighborhood of Trastevere. Santa Maria and Piazza Trilussa provide breathing space at the perfect scale. The scale is also good for meeting up with people as it is currently used; it’s not too large, making it difficult to find people and not too small as to not provide the necessary space.

Rhythm:

Rhythm is generated on site by a number of factors. The stop and go of traffic along Lungotevere, the flow of people passing through the site, the people stopping on site, as well as the building facades surrounding the site contribute to the site’s character. Vehicular traffic and pedestrian traffic are closely related while the buildings themselves are completely independent.

Texture:

Rome itself has a wonderful texture as does Piazza Trilussa. The ground plane is rough and uneven stone, not great for walking. The monument is a blend of stone and brick while the surrounding buildings are also made of stone. The local news stand next to the monument adds a splash of color with magazines and papers. Surrounding parked cars also add an element of color and metal.

Light and Color:

Light pours into the site from the eastside which is open to the river. As mentioned, vibrant colors are generated from multiple elements including the newsstand, cars, and the large advertisement on the scaffolding. The ground plane and surrounding buildings are composed of more muted colors.

Ornament:

Ornament can be found all over Piazza Trilussa. Atop the southern buildings there are plants and small trees while the buildings are not overtly ornate. There is ornament on the monument which I believe may be the papal crest.

Piazza Trilussa has much to offer in terms of “delight in architecture.” I believe the scale/ proportion and location of the site contribute most to its successful use. The piazza is an important landmark of Trastevere and fits into the larger Roman Piazza system.