Column of the Immaculate Conception – Rome, Italy

Isaac Kremer/ September 8, 2025/ Field Notes, Physical, plaza, preservation, public art, streetscape/ 0 comments

The Column of the Immaculate Conception (Colonna dell’Immacolata Concezione) is in the Piazza Mignanelli in Rome, Italy. The monument was erected in 1857 to commemorate the proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception by Pope Pius IX in 1854, which states that the Virgin Mary was conceived free from original sin. The monument was designed by architect Luigi Poletti.

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Colosseum – Rome, Italy

Isaac Kremer/ September 8, 2025/ Field Notes, museum, Physical, plaza, public art/ 0 comments

The Colosseum is an iconic ancient Roman amphitheater located in the center of Rome, Italy. Officially known as the Flavian Amphitheater, it is a renowned symbol of Imperial Rome and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The Colosseum was built between A.D. 70-80 under the emperors Vespasian and Titus of the Flavian dynasty. It was used for

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Saint Peter’s Basilica – Vatican City

Isaac Kremer/ September 6, 2025/ Churches, Civic, Field Notes, Physical, plaza, preservation, Uncategorized/ 0 comments

St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square are located in Vatican City, a microstate enclaved within Rome, Italy. The monumental square was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and constructed between 1656 and 1667. It features a large elliptical space framed by colossal Tuscan colonnades, which consist of 284 columns and 88 pilasters arranged in four rows. These colonnades are often

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Teatro dell’Opera – Rome, Italy

Isaac Kremer/ September 5, 2025/ Field Notes, Physical, plaza, Social/ 0 comments

Teatro dell’Opera di Roma (Rome Opera House) is a theater is located in Rome, Italy, and is known for its iconic 19th-century architecture and lavish productions. The interior features the traditional horseshoe-shaped auditorium with vertically stacked private boxes, ornate gold decorations, and red seating, which creates an intimate atmosphere. Also known as the Teatro Costanzi after its builder Domenico Costanzi, the

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Santa Maria Maggiore – Rome, Italy

Isaac Kremer/ September 5, 2025/ Churches, Civic, Field Notes, Physical, plaza, preservation, public art/ 0 comments

Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the four major papal basilicas and the largest church in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is a masterpiece of Christian art and architecture with origins dating back to the 5th century. As one of the four major papal basilicas in Rome, it has a special status and is a significant pilgrimage destination.

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Piazza della Repubblica – Rome, Italy

Isaac Kremer/ September 3, 2025/ Field Notes, Physical, placemaking, plaza, preservation, storefront/ 0 comments

The piazza is located at the top of the Viminal Hill, near the Termini train station. The distinctive semi-circular palaces lining the square (known as the Palazzi dell’Esedra) were designed by architect Gaetano Koch and built between 1887 and 1898. Their curved shape mimics the exedra (a large semi-circular recess) of the ancient Baths of Diocletian, the remains of which are

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Busch Gardens – Williamsburg, Virginia

Isaac Kremer/ June 17, 2025/ beer, Economic, Field Notes, garden, Physical, placemaking, plaza, public art, streetscape/ 0 comments

This is the 50th year anniversary of Busch Gardens. While some people enjoy fast rides I am one who keeps my feet planted firmly on the ground. While walking around I could not help but appreciate the thought and effort that went into the scenery, art, and visitor experience. Entrance gater to the parking garage sets the tone for the

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Downtown – Rahway, New Jersey

Isaac Kremer/ September 4, 2024/ downtown, Field Notes, Physical, plaza, public art, Social, storefront, Writing/ 0 comments

This handsome station and plaza are a common sight for commuters. One needs to walk a few blocks away to see some exciting things happening. These way-finding signs offer an important amenity, especially for first time visitors. Given their significant size, a missed opportunity is to have something on the back blank side. Given the efforts to position Rahway as

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