Mussolini's "Suburb"

the EUR (esposizione universale romana 1942) was designed to showcase fascist architecture in a functional manner outside the city, also a part of mussolini's plan to extend rome to the sea. while walking around the area of stark facades and minimal ornament, i felt a little transported back in time. the government buildings and cultural institutions all utilized marble, concrete and vast arcades creating a unified but ominous feel. despite this sentiment, the area is heavily used and there is a great interest to live here. i saw many families and business people strolling the tree lined boulevards, using the vast public spaces that come so naturally to this area. there were many private apartment complexes lining the government building spaces, each one having a pleasant courtyard and gardens. while i couldn't help but think of the strange history and building types of this area, i couldn't help but recognize that it is an area of successful urban planning and a bustling commercial district outside of the city.