Recherche par auteur > Flavia Benfante

The contribution proposed aims to deepen the study of the Complex of the so-called Terme con Eliocamino of Villa Adriana. 

As it is well known, the imperial Villa in Tivoli constitutes a true laboratory for innovative and extraordinary forms and for breakthrough structural and functional solutions.

The uniqueness that characterizes many complexes of the site makes it often difficult to correctly interpret the elevation reconstruction of their ruins and the way they were meant to be used and experienced. 

The same problem applies to the case study of the so-called Terme con Eliocamino, and in particular to the interpretation of the circular hall that gives the entire complex its name.

Although its structures are preserved for a good part, many doubts still remain about the correct reading of its heating system, and various interpretative and reconstructive hypotheses have been put forward by different scholars (according to some the hall was filled entirely with water, for others with scorching sand; there are also differing opinions on the presence or absence of stained-glass windows and on the role of the fistulae and minor openings).

An updated survey (led with laser scanner and photogrammetry) of the building and its systems has been carried out as part of my Marie Curie Individual Fellowship project "Shine a light on Villa Adriana" (supervised by Prof. Rafael Hidalgo Prieto, Universidad Pablo de Olavide). The research project aims at analyzing and reconstructing the lighting asset and the illumination design process of some of the architectural complexes of Villa Adriana, and in particular, the case study of the Terme con Eliocamino is functional to study the incidence of orientation and light exposure on temperatures in baths.

The paper will provide an update on the reading of the phases of the building and its systems, taking into account changes during construction and subsequent modifications that have affected the operation of the “Eliocamino”.

A detailed analysis of the complex's praefurnia, tubuli, fistulae, and ventilation system will be coupled with a three-dimensional reconstruction of the hall that will allow to calculate the impact of solar radiation through the windows.

In parallel, an analysis of antique literary sources and of the possible comparisons with other thermal facilities of the Villa and in other sites will be conducted.

The ultimate goal will be to be able to produce reconstructive hypotheses of the climatic and lighting conditions that that could occur within the hall and through these, to advance a more sound interpretation of its use.