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AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2012
WIZZ MAGAZINE
17
ROME
UNIRE/UNITE AT MAXXI PIAZZA
UNTIL 4 NOVEMBER
MAXXI, the Museum of XXI Century Arts,
has an extra dimension thanks to an award-
winning installation of the international
Young Architects Program (YAP).
Unire/Unite is a project from the New
York and Rome-based Urban Movement
Design (UMD), and is at MAXXI’s open-air
piazza until 4 November. High-arching
plywood ribs and canvas seating are
interspersed with jasmine-scented climbers,
while sprinklers on the lush, verdant grass
provide a cool mist for overheated visitors.
Freely accessible, the installation hosts the
museum’s summer events.
The lounge area represents a new level
of relaxation, and discreet signs on each
piece show how you can get the best
benefit from various exercises. UMD is
working with a local yoga school who’ ll be
taking classes here throughout the summer.
“We hope people are inspired to
experiment and
play
with the various
positions,” smiles Sarah Gluck, a yoga
expert who, with Robyne Kassen, founded
the UMD seven years after they both
graduated from architecture school.
Simone Zbudil Bonetti, their Italian
partner, joined them last year.
“When Simone was introduced to us
he was the perfect person at the perfect
moment – we were ready to move up a
level professionally,” says Robyne. “The
three of us share a vision and way of
thinking; the inspiration flows when we’re
together, we can achieve so much more.”
It seems to have worked; this year the
studio won the Italian edition of YAP.
“As architects we believe it our duty to
create designs that make a difference to
people’s lives,” says Sarah.
MAXXI is in the Flaminia district, near
the lively bars and restaurants of Ponte
Milvio. But as Simone says, “What could be
better than a cool beer and a fresh mist on
your face in the mid-summer heat?”
Our writer stayed at Hotel Romae, near
Termini Station. It’s ideally placed for public
transport and is a haven from the busy city.
fondazionemaxxi.it
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WORDS: SARAH LANE