Three former ATAC depots in Rome transformed into cultural spaces

Rome's public transport company ATAC has launched a temporary reuse project for three of its disused depots, converting them into cultural and event spaces. The initiative, won by Roman company Ninetynine Urban Value, aims to revitalize the sites until they are sold. The depots are PratiBus District (5,000 sqm in Piazza Bainsizza), Ragusa Off (11,000 sqm in Piazza Ragusa), and San Paolo Garage (7,000 sqm in via Alessandro Severo). The spaces will host a mix of events, including a Japanese market, a vintage Christmas market, and La Città della Pizza 2019. Artworks from the Galleria Nazionale di Arte Moderna e Contemporanea will rotate through the venues as part of the Quarter project. Inaugurations are scheduled for November 23, 2018 (PratiBus District), end of November (Ragusa Off), and December 2018 (San Paolo Garage). The project involves ATAC CEO Paolo Simioni, Rome Mayor Virginia Raggi, Ninetynine Urban Value founder Simone Mazzarelli, Galleria Nazionale director Cristiana Collu, and artist Davide Rivalta, whose bronze and fiberglass animal sculptures are installed at PratiBus District. The article also notes risks of temporary reuse, citing the example of Via Guido Reni where revitalization was not followed by permanent redevelopment.