The intervention enhances the Domus Aurea in Rome, built by Nero after the fire of 64 AD, creating a connection with the Octagonal Room that allows you to discover the underground rooms, the Trajan vault and the thermal structures of different phases.
The gallery, in which the pedestrian walkway is inserted, is conceived as a dark and contained space, in which the project draws a direction of light that accompanies the visitor through a historical tale of the ruins. The intervention that creeps into the ruins, touching them, is completely autonomous and self-supporting with respect to the existing walls, in accordance with the reality in which it is inserted and paying particular attention to the construction procedures in such a delicate environment. The handcrafted and entirely manual installation excluded the use of machinery and welding on site that could have compromised the neighboring wall systems.
The supporting structure of the pedestrian walkway – accessible to all types of visitors – is made up of HEB metal profiles covered in smooth, galvanized and painted sheet metal which, by optical illusion, mask its size and industrial features. A careful play of lights allows perfect usability of the entire route, highlighting the construction details, the wall textures, the remains of an ancient cistern and part of the Roman excavations step by step. The use of LED strips accentuates the linearity of the intervention, making the white resin finishes that cover the walking surfaces and the vertical internal portions of the parapets shine while – through carefully positioned light points – the underlying historical elements are enhanced.