034 ara pacis

The Ara Pacis was commissioned by Augustus in about 10 BC. This is the time period when Rome was going through a transition period from Republic to Empire. It's essentially a small building (above, right) with high-relief sculptured panels around a central altar for sacrifices were made to the Peace goddess (Pacis). Even more interesting than the monument itself is the extremely controversial Richard Meier building that houses it. It is the 1st new building in central Rome for centuries, and the Romans despise it. I mean HATE it.

I have to admit that I agree with them. I have never been a fan of Meier, although now that I think about it, this might have to have something to do with a certain class assignment in college. The detailing on this building is horrible - unsophisticated and cheap. The scale of the building in the context is monstrous. You can see a little in the photo - compare the glass box to the church in the background.

There is an architectural rendering on the fence enclosing the building. This has turned into a public forum to criticize the building, as there are numerous comments written on the rendering by passersby, things like "the architects were much better centuries ago, go home Meier, this building is a sin, this much money for this piece of crap, etc etc".

At least here people notice the architecture - ugly buildings are built in the US every day, and no one even seems to have an opinion.