Via Ottaviano was established between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, during the development of the Prati district, as a key urban axis connecting Via Giulio Cesare to St. Peter’s Square. Over time, it has evolved through multiple transformations, adopting an ambiguous identity primarily shaped by its role as a heavily trafficked thoroughfare.
The project aims to redistribute mobility flows, prioritizing pedestrian movement while seamlessly integrating the public tram network.
The design introduces a continuous, flat street profile that enhances accessibility and offers flexibility, transforming what was once a simple transit route into an open space that functions almost like a linear plaza.
Carefully designed inserts in the paving make room for new trees, seating areas, and spaces for pause, forming natural islands that encourage social interaction and environmental regeneration.
The design responds to the site’s complex identity by reimagining the ground as a new ecosystem that promotes environmental, social, and sensory connections with its surroundings. Continuity, naturalness, and identity are central themes, guiding the approach to ensure that the interventions are not isolated moments but the foundation of a new urban ecosystem.