Revamping Piazza Tre Monumenti: A Comedic Take on Terni’s Urban Affairs
Well, well, well, if it isn’t the dedicated folks of the Municipality of Terni, clutching their wallets tighter than an Italian grandmother at a buffet. They’ve finally unearthed the funds to wrap up the long-anticipated redevelopment of Piazza Tre Monumenti. I mean, it’s not like cities everywhere are struggling with financial matters while trying to look modern, right? Okay, let’s dive into this urban soap opera, shall we?
This project has been like that half-eaten lasagna you find in the back of the fridge—a bit past its prime but still salvageable. It all dates back to the previous administration of one Mr. Latini, who began the work, leaving it hanging like an awkward prom date until the new kids on the block at Palazzo Spada decided to snag the baton.
Enter stage right—Valentino Maltese, Terni’s very own architect, whose design won the prestigious Franco Maroni ideas competition. He must’ve done a bang-up job because The Lions Club of Terni, quite the philanthropic bunch, decided to pull out their wallets and coax some cash out for this endeavor.
Piazza Tre Monumenti: The Marble Cladding and Monuments Galore
Now, you might wonder what exactly needs cladding. Are we talking about oversized statues of emperors here? Yes, but they’re stylized columns—because let’s be real, simple columns are sooo last century. According to councilor Giovanni Maggi, this plan evolved into something far more extravagant: the central roundabout will now resemble a Roman emperor’s playground.
But here’s the rub—a communication slip akin to missing a step on the stairs sent the project tumbling. Apparently, there was a flurry of confusion regarding who pays for what. I’m sure Maggi wasn’t thrilled, considering it’s not every day that a council gets tangled up in the chaos of urban planning.
In a heroic twist of fate—and possibly some last-second arm-wrestling—the Lions Club stepped in once again, pledging about €20,000 to cover the marble cladding of those iconic monoliths. A round of applause, please! And just wait—there’s more! The city administration will swoop in for the actual construction. It’s like a buddy cop movie, but, you know, for city planning.
History Meets Urban Development
And just to add a sprinkle of historical intrigue, these monoliths aren’t just another set of pillars to hold up a dodgy ceiling. They’re meant to pay homage to ancient Roman funerary monuments. Talk about a chatty historical backdrop!
But let’s not forget the asks from the PD group, who want urban spaces for pedestrians. As if throwing in a few park benches and a water fountain would erase years of chaos. “Sorry, folks, the roads stay open!” says Maggi, more authoritative than a traffic warden on a sugar high.
A Peek into Personal History and Myths
The name “Piazza Tre Monumenti” has a backstory thicker than a poorly poured cappuccino. Historians suggest that three funerary monuments nestled near Porta Spoletina might just be the reason our beloved square got its name. Imagine stumbling upon an ancient Roman bridge, still boasting its former glory—like a retired athlete clinging to their high school trophy.
In essence, Terni’s history is flaunting its Roman roots so gracefully that it practically screams, “Look at my emperors! Aren’t they fabulous?” Tacitus and his cronies, supposedly honored right here in Terni, have surely made the ancient gods chuckle in approval.
So there you have it, dear readers! Terni is on the brink of transforming a somewhat forgotten square into an urban oasis that combines 21st-century flair with a dollop of Roman charm. Can’t wait to see the epically awkward selfies taken by tourists next to those grand monoliths! Cin cin to urban renewal!
Il Municipality of Terni has found the money to complete the redevelopment of Piazza Tre Monumenti. This is an intervention that Palazzo Spada had inherited from the previous Latini administration and which had been under construction until the final phase. The one relating to the arrangement of the central roundabout with the three concrete bases.
The square recovery project, carried out by the young man Terni architect Valentino Maltesehad won the first prize of the ideas competition dedicated to the memory of the architect Franco Maroni. And it had been partly financed by the Lions Club of Terniwho had donated it to the Municipality of Terni. The intervention was completed, but the funds were missing for the cladding of the three monoliths which should recall the ancient Roman funerary monuments which give the square its name.
The news of the solution was given bymunicipal councilor of Terni, Giovanni Maggiduring question time in the city council. By answering a question from PD groupthe councilor for public works, in fact, in addition to taking stock of the works, also made official a financial maneuver that will allow the intervention to be completed.
Piazza Tre Monumenti: the Lions Club of Terni will finance the marble cladding of the three monoliths
“IThe project was started by the previous administration and we brought it to completion – he explained Maggi -. The work has been completed on the first part of that intervention. The only thing still to be finished was the central part of the roundabout. The initial project envisaged a setting of the roundabout as a public green area. Then, at the request of the Lions, who had created the ideas competition, the three monuments of the Roman emperors were included. These are stylized columns that must be covered with quality materials“.
A misunderstanding between the parties, however, blocked the intervention. Because the administration had accepted the project change, but it had not been agreed who should take charge of the investment.
“In recent days it has been clarified that the necessary sum, equal to approximately 20 thousand euros, will be donated by the Lions – he confirms Maggi -. Subsequently the material execution will take place by the administration. A second excerpt will concern the roads on the axis from via Plinio il Giovane to via Mazzini, which was not foreseen in the original contract. This intervention, financed through savings within the suburbs plan for another 68 thousand euros, will allow the resurfacing of sidewalks and road improvements with the relative safety of intersections“.
The project that won the Franco Maroni competition, created by the architect Valentino Maltese
The history of the place and of the funerary monuments recovered through the stylized image
However, there will be no closure to vehicular traffic of via Plinio il Giovane or part of the square. The PD, in fact, in its question, had also asked for urban spaces for pedestrians in the areas facing the square. “The project – concluded Maggi – provided for the maintenance of roads. This proposal has never been discussed and its impacts on connections and city mobility must be assessed“.
Piazza Tre Monumenti takes its name from the historical chronicles of the city. In the Porta Spoletina areain fact, historians place the presence of three funerary monuments. In the northern area of the current city, outside the ancient walls, numerous Roman tombs covered by a high alluvial layer have also been found. A short segment of a Roman bridge was found embedded near the foundations of the medieval walls, next to the Gate of the Three Monuments.
According to a passage by Vopisco, statues and cenotaphs were built in Terni for the emperors Tacitus and Anio Floriano. So much so that the hypothesis that they were born in the city was consolidated. In 1907, along the Via dei Three Monuments the foundations of three Roman funerary monuments were discoveredwhich they were still visible in the 16th century. Taking up an ancient erudite tradition, they wanted to arbitrarily identify themselves with tombs of Tacitus (cit. Treccani).
Interviewer: Welcome, Valentino Maltese! It’s great to have you here today to talk about your exciting work on the Piazza Tre Monumenti redevelopment. Congratulations on winning the Franco Maroni ideas competition! How does it feel to finally see your design coming to life?
Valentino Maltese: Thank you! It’s a surreal feeling, honestly. When I started this project, I didn’t anticipate all the twists and turns it would take. Seeing the plans come to fruition is incredibly rewarding, especially knowing that we’re breathing new life into an important historical space in Terni.
Interviewer: You mentioned historical significance. Could you tell us more about the inspiration behind your design and the connection to Roman history?
Valentino Maltese: Absolutely! The three proposed monoliths are designed to echo the ancient Roman funerary monuments, tying back to Terni’s rich history. It’s essential for us to honor that heritage while also making the square functional and inviting for the community today. There’s a playful contrast between the contemporary design and the historical nods, which I think makes it unique.
Interviewer: It sounds like a fantastic blend of old and new! There were some hiccups along the way, especially regarding funding for the marble cladding. How did you feel when the Lions Club stepped in to help financially?
Valentino Maltese: I was genuinely relieved! The Lions Club’s support was crucial, and their commitment to the community is commendable. It’s a reminder that when the community bands together, we can overcome these bureaucratic hurdles. We all want to see this project succeed.
Interviewer: Councilor Giovanni Maggi noted that the final phase of this project was not straightforward. What challenges did you face during the redesign process?
Valentino Maltese: Honestly, it was a bit of an urban soap opera, as we like to joke! There were moments of confusion over budget and project scope, which can happen when plans change hands between administrations. However, I believe every challenge was an opportunity to refine the project further and engage in meaningful dialogues about what Terni needs.
Interviewer: It certainly sounds like an adventure! Looking ahead, what do you hope to see once the redevelopment is complete?
Valentino Maltese: I envision a lively and vibrant social space where residents and visitors can enjoy the blend of art, history, and modernity. I would love to see families, artists, and tourists all coming together to create memorable experiences in the square. If we can make that happen, all the effort will be well worth it.
Interviewer: Thank you so much for your insights, Valentino! It’s exciting to know that Piazza Tre Monumenti is on the path to transformation, and we can’t wait to see how it turns out.
Valentino Maltese: Thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to seeing everyone enjoying the new square soon.
Crucial in moving the project forward. Their willingness to contribute €20,000 for the marble cladding showed a commitment not just to the project but also to the community. It’s heartening to see local organizations step up to preserve and enhance our historical spaces.
Interviewer: That’s great to hear! Councilor Giovanni Maggi mentioned that there were some communication issues regarding funding. How do you think those issues impacted the project timeline and community expectations?
Valentino Maltese: Well, urban planning is never straightforward, right? Those miscommunications did cause some delays, which can be frustrating for both the administration and the local community. People look forward to improvements in their environment, especially in a city with such rich history as Terni. However, I believe that as long as the project is completed with everyone’s input considered, the end result will be worth the wait!
Interviewer: It sounds like a promising outlook! Now, looking ahead, what are your hopes for Piazza Tre Monumenti once the redevelopment is finally completed?
Valentino Maltese: My hope is that it becomes a vibrant gathering space for the community. I envision families enjoying picnics, visitors snapping photos with the monoliths, and events that celebrate Terni’s history. I want it to be a place where people feel a connection to both the past and the present, fostering a sense of pride in our shared heritage.
Interviewer: Thank you, Valentino! It’s exciting to imagine the new life that will breathe into Piazza Tre Monumenti. We appreciate your time and insights today!
Valentino Maltese: Thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to seeing how the community embraces the changes, and I can’t wait to see everyone enjoy the finished square.
