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The Imperial Forums: A Journey Through Architectural Spatiality and Visual Engagement
Ursini, Lavinia
Ursini, Lavinia
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Abstract
The research carried in this thesis highlights the spatial, architectural, decorative, and conceptional links between the three Imperial Forums of Caesar, Augustus and Trajan. The structures examined in this analysis were built in different centuries yet were constructed with a shared vision of the ways euergetic venues could be considered focal and central spaces within the city of Rome. The discussion of this concept is developed by investigating and analyzing the most recent archaeological findings. These help the argument focus on both the spatial links created by the formal layout of the three venues and the visual/physical engagement that the viewer would have experienced while walking through them. The first part of the thesis is dedicated to the relevant role that Roman urban topography plays in the overall understanding of the birth and growth of the area of the Imperial Forums. By focusing on the recently discovered fragments of the Forma Urbis Romae, and more generally on ancient ground plans, it is argued that this map’s function and accuracy can incentivize our contemporary understanding about the conceptual and architectural importance that monumental structures had within Rome. The research relies heavily on formal analysis generated from the study of the newest archaeological findings. This brings the discussion to investigate the structural patterns of interrelated axiality that these complexes create. The cohesive architectural connection between the Forums of Caesar, Augustus and Trajan is also analyzed by considering their permeability as spaces. These venues were meant to be engaged with both physically through movement and visually by becoming involved in their ornamental texture and decorative narrative. The Imperial Forums are not only considered as paramount central and focal spaces within the city, but also as venues that are imbued with conceptual meanings of spatiality, architectural cross references and unitary decorative programs.
Description
Thesis (B.A. in Art History, Minors in Business Administration and Humanistic Studies)--John Cabot University, Spring 2021.
Date
2021
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Roman Forum (Rome, Italy)
Citation
Ursini, Lavinia. "The Imperial Forums: A Journey Through Architectural Spatiality and Visual Engagement". BA Thesis, John Cabot University, Rome, Italy. 2021.