• Martin Merroth

The Vatican Welcome Center encompasses a larger contribution to the resilience of the surrounding neighborhood with improvements to accessibility, representation, infrastructure, greenspace, and transportation. Located in Quartiere 13 Aurelio, the Saint Peter’s Vatican Welcome Center is South of Vatican City and next to the existing Saint Peters Train Station

The Vatican welcome center contributes to Rome’s transportation by up scaling the coverage of the existing St Peters train station. An elevated biking path and walkway will allow for ease of access to areas in the valley. Pedestrian only areas within the neighborhood reclaims the street to the locals and creates a direct walking/biking path to the Vatican.

In connection to the nearby school, the welcome center can be an opportunity for local jobs in tourism. During events such as the Jubilee, the station can now accommodate the fluctuation of local and foreign visitors to the Vatican. The linear park and highline encourages locals and tourists to explore their surroundings. Also, the walking and biking viaduct enables people to be active and healthy.

Solar farms above the tracks can provide sustainable off grid power to the building and surrounding neighborhood. The linear park achieves land reclamation by turning an empty lot into green space that is locally accessible. Spaces within the welcome center are easily adaptable as they can be multipurpose or even have a change in programs.