Rome and the Teacher, Astra Zarina

Following the internet’s ability to realize political and social expression needs, society has largely receded from civic life. Public-first urban design has been subsequently sidelined. Rome and the Teacher examines Roman public spaces to renew ideas of community life that are increasingly omitted or privatized in contemporary design. This exhibition honors educator Astra Zarina, whose book I Tetti di Roma is the basis for the show.

Guest curator Alessandro Orsini has chosen photos, theoretical writings, models and historic maps to capture Astra’s advocacy for public-first design. Under Mr. Orsini, Columbia University architecture students will present a video with the exhibition, placing the show in dialogue with moving images of Roman public life.