m²ft architects presents their ‘what if’ project that depicts a number of famous sites in rome re-imagined with contemporary architecture from around the world. the series of visualisations pose the question of what would happen if we changed the context of these iconic interventions? from placing the london eye in the roman forum, to the famously ‘inside out’ centre pompidou being relocated to rome’s piazza navona, ‘what if’ showcases a collection of seemingly fantastical scenes. 

'what if' by m²ft architects superimposes iconic architecture onto the city of rome designboom

london eye / roman forum

all images courtesy of m²ft architects

 

 

by relocating contemporary elements into the completely unrelated context of rome, m²ft architects highlights their transformative potential. the fusion of ancient architecture with modern design creates a curious combination that makes you stop and look twice. in addition to distorting reality, the project also aims to convey that italian capital could become a fertile ground for inserting similar interventions, as it is a place with such a powerful historical character that has remained somewhat sufficiently distant from the evolution of modern times.

'what if' by m²ft architects superimposes iconic architecture onto the city of rome designboom
disney monorail / colosseum

 

 

the shock that comes from superimposing these famous interventions throws rome into a hypothetical alternative present. ‘what if’ transforms the city, showing that it does not need to rely on it’s historical imagery, but it can continue to change to become equally iconic in the present. overall, the project by m²ft makes for a highly intriguing collection of images, taking viewers to a fantastic alternate reality.

'what if' by m²ft architects superimposes iconic architecture onto the city of rome designboom
centre pompidou / piazza navona

'what if' by m²ft architects superimposes iconic architecture onto the city of rome designboom
hollywood sign / rome

'what if' by m²ft architects superimposes iconic architecture onto the city of rome designboom
kabukicho tokyo / san pietro

'what if' by m²ft architects superimposes iconic architecture onto the city of rome designboom

los angeles highway / rome

'what if' by m²ft architects superimposes iconic architecture onto the city of rome designboom
industrial revulution / castel sant’angelo

'what if' by m²ft architects superimposes iconic architecture onto the city of rome designboom

philadelphia urban grid / tiber river

 

 

project info:

 

project name: ‘what if’

architect: m²ft architects

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: lynne myers | designboom