Dismantling the Dux Legacy This architectural project seeks to dismantle the fascist power embedded within monuments that were erected during the Fascist era of Italy at the behest of its dictator, Benito Mussolini. Specifically, this project tackles Mussolini’s DUX Obelisk, which stands at nearly 120 feet tall in front of the Foro Italico. Mussolini erected this obelisk to serve as a tribute to himself and his work as a fascist dictator, as well as symbolically linking him to the monumental figures of Rome’s past that also left architectural remnants to honor themselves. The power embedded within this monument reminds Italy of the role it played in World War II and of the many lives lost as a result. In order to counteract the legacy left behind by this monument, this designed intervention seeks to dismantle the oppressive power it represents and obscure the perceived grandeur of the obelisk through architectural means. There are thirteen ancient obelisks in Rome, Mussolini’s DUX Obelisk is one of five modern obelisks in the city. This design was informed by these thirteen ancient obelisks. The array of erected obelisks along the path of the Foro Italico are representative of the ancient obelisks and true to size. Furthermore, they are lined up in order of creation/erection and in such a way that distracts from the view of the DUX obelisk. It was integral to this project that this particular view became obstructed, as it was specifically designed with repetitive elements along the sidewalk intended to draw focus in on the DUX obelisk. In this way, these architectural interventions minimize the signifcance of the DUX obelisk on the site. In order to counteract the negative associations with this site, emphasis was placed on revitalizing this public space to become a more populated area that allows for human interaction. Not only can visitors weave their way through the obelisks along the path, but there also interventions on either side of the DUX obelisk that can be climbed. The design of these armatures are informed by the base of the DUX obelisk; the shape and size of each block was taken directly from that of the irregularly shaped base. This design physically represents the dismantling of the oppressive structures in place as a result of the erection of the DUX obelisk, and transforms the site into a public space where people can physically interact with these historical remnants.
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Consideration was also given to landscape elements, one possible addition to this design would incorporate four tall, obelisk-like cyprus trees at each of the four corners of the DUX obelisk. These four trees would symbolize the remaining four modern obelisks in Rome. The use of living plant material as opposed to marble highlights the moderntiy of these newer obelisks in direct contrast to the permanence of the marble obelisks of ancient Rome. In this way, Mussolini’s attempt to establish himself as one of the “Greats” of Roman history is severed.
C O R N E L L U N I V E R S I T Y R O M E P R O G R A M : F O U N D AT I O N S I N A R C H I T E C T U R E , S P R I N G 2 0 2 0 / / I N S T R U C T O R : T E S S C L A N C Y
NAME: Robert Sanchez SITE: Mussolini Dux Obelisk PROJECT TITLE: Dismantling the Dux Legacy
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Historical images and preliminary drawings (1) and (2): construction and assembly of the DUX obelisk (3): system diagram of DUX obelisk (4), (5),and (6): Early ideations of interventions
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(1)
C O R N E L L U N I V E R S I T Y R O M E P R O G R A M : F O U N D AT I O N S I N A R C H I T E C T U R E , S P R I N G 2 0 2 0 / / I N S T R U C T O R : T E S S C L A N C Y
NAME: Robert Sanchez SITE: Mussolini DUX Obelisk PROJECT TITLE: Dismantling the DUX Legacy
Site Plan Depicts the locations of all the ancient obelisks in Rome, relative to the location of the DUX obelisk
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C O R N E L L U N I V E R S I T Y R O M E P R O G R A M : F O U N D AT I O N S I N A R C H I T E C T U R E , S P R I N G 2 0 2 0 / / I N S T R U C T O R : T E S S C L A N C Y
NAME: Robert Sanchez SITE: Mussolini DUX Obelisk PROJECT TITLE: Dismantling the DUX Legacy
Perspective Drawing Illustrative view of the DUX obelisk site and interventions from the view of the approaching bridge
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C O R N E L L U N I V E R S I T Y R O M E P R O G R A M : F O U N D AT I O N S I N A R C H I T E C T U R E , S P R I N G 2 0 2 0 / / I N S T R U C T O R : T E S S C L A N C Y
NAME: Robert Sanchez SITE: Mussolini DUX Obelisk PROJECT TITLE: Dismantling the DUX Legacy
40m
SCALE: 1:50 (1)
150 ft
C O R N E L L U N I V E R S I T Y R O M E P R O G R A M : F O U N D AT I O N S I N A R C H I T E C T U R E , S P R I N G 2 0 2 0 / / I N S T R U C T O R : T E S S C L A N C Y
NAME: Robert Sanchez SITE: Mussolini DUX Obelisk PROJECT TITLE: Dismantling the DUX Legacy
134 ft
120 ft
98 ft 95 ft 82 ft
56 ft 48 ft 42 ft 40 ft 35 ft
DUX
Lateran
Rotonda
Matteiano
Dogali
Flaminio
Montecitorio
Minerva
Vatican
Agonalis
Quirinale
Sallustiano
Pincian
Esquiline
21 ft
SCALE: 1:50 (2)
Drawing (1): Plan 1:50 Plan view of the immediate surrounding site of the DUX obelisk and designed interventions, highlighted with a black fill
Drawing (2): Section 1:50 Section drawing illustrating the relationships between each obelisk and their different heights
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111 ft
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Drawing (1): Diagram 1:20 View illustrating the form of the interactive intervention on either side of the DUX obelisk
Drawing (2): Diagram 1:20 View illustrating the form of the interactive intervention on either side of the DUX obelisk
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(1)
C O R N E L L U N I V E R S I T Y R O M E P R O G R A M : F O U N D AT I O N S I N A R C H I T E C T U R E , S P R I N G 2 0 2 0 / / I N S T R U C T O R : T E S S C L A N C Y
NAME: Robert Sanchez SITE: Mussolini DUX Obelisk PROJECT TITLE: Dismantling the DUX Legacy