Department of Utilities
WATER WORKS
Due to the deterioration of the Bracciano aqueduct, in 1932 a decision was made to replace the interior conduit running from Villa Carpegna to the Fountain of the Eagle in the Vatican with one made of 500mm wide steel tubing. This extensive project took place from 1932 to 1934 and included the installation of central pumps, a 2,000 cubic meter tank, copper tubing, fire hydrants and fire prevention and extinguishing systems.
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OFFICES
The buildings housing the maintenance and repair offices were constructed close to the thermoelectric station in 1934. The mechanical repair service occupied a large, one-room building with direct street access. 70 workers divided into three departments included blacksmiths, welders, machinists, plumbers and auto mechanics. There were also four work areas for welding. A carpenter’s workshop occupied a 500 square meter area and was equipped for making frames. The power station offices consisted of a room for planning and one for accounting, both located in an area above the carpenter’s workshop. Their duties were to maintain the power plant equipment and distribution network and to repair electrical appliances.
DOMUS SANCTAE MARTHAE
A project of redevelopment and urban renewal in the area around the large Santa Marta Square began in the 1990s after being approved by Pope John Paul II on 14 March 1991. The plan called for the demolition of dilapidated buildings dating back to the 1800s, built under Pope Pius IX, and an adjustment of the roads and structures in the vicinity of the Perugino entrance to the Vatican.
The Santa Marta building complex was designed so that from any one vantage point it would not disturb the view enjoyed of the giant base and upper part of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. The building was to be used for housing ecclesiastical personnel called to service at the Holy See.
The new building is a large, geometric structure built with reinforced concrete and divided into two parallel blocks united with a large central area.
The rooms are evenly distributed on the various floors and total 129 of which 109 are suites (bedroom and study) located on the four upper floors. The rooms offer bright spaces; the furniture is strictly classical, but also functional. The ground floor consists of the chapel, a large hall, offices, the reception, the dining area and a multi-use room.
The look of the building suggests a reinterpretation of 16th century styles. The colours and coverings are in harmony with the surrounding ambiance as are the use of square pillars and stone.
As written in the Apostolic Constitution “Universi Dominici Gregis”, the Domus Sanctae Marthae is also reserved exclusively for the Cardinal electors during a conclave to elect a new pope.