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For six immersive weeks, I immersed myself in the infamous Roman neighborhood of Corviale, a colossal utopian social housing project that looms large on the outskirts of Rome. Built in the early 1980s, this architectural behemoth stands as a poignant symbol of both unfulfilled aspirations and the challenges of urban development.

My lens focused on the heart of this community—the local youth—who navigate their lives under the shadow of this failing ’80s social housing project. Through this evocative photo series, I aimed to shed light on the intricate relationship they have with their surroundings—the concrete jungle they call home.

These poignant images capture the essence of daily life, emotions, and resilience that thrive amidst the imposing architecture. From moments of joy and laughter to the weight of uncertainties, the photographs offer a glimpse into the multifaceted existence of Corviale’s young residents.

Join me on this visual journey as we explore the human spirit, perseverance, and the quest for a sense of belonging in the shadow of Corviale’s towering structures. May these images spark conversations and reflections on the complexities of urban living and the indomitable spirit of youth facing extraordinary circumstances.

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I am a photographer from Vilnius, Lithuania. My background consists of a variety of adventures: I was pursuing a career in professional figure skating for most of my teenage years, studied TV production in London and later cinema in Prague, and learned Persian in a language institute in Tehran. Since my late teens I started traveling by hitch-hiking. Summer trips around Europe soon evolved into a full-time nomadic lifestyle with travel routes criss-crossing Africa, the Middle East, India, South East Asia and now Latin America.

During the last years of high-school I was already documenting everything with my little pocket camera. I didn’t know what photography was back then, but felt a subconscious need to capture and record the fleeting moments. I somehow understood their value and saw beauty in them. For me photography is a kind of visual poetry, a way to capture a feeling, an emotion or take a look at a person’s soul. And that is what I am interested in doing – I like to create poems about people and places without using words. Being introduced to Magnum photo agency by a friend and seeing Satellites by Jonas Bendiksen for the first time gave me a powerful impulse to dedicate my life to photography.

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As a photographer I am drawn towards communities and social issues. I am most interested in rebels, people living on the edge or off the grid. My work speaks about human condition, struggle, and pride, and aims to demystify the unknown. In my pictures I seek to portray people in a humble and dignified way. The way I shoot could be best described as non-interventional. I let action evolve by itself, even when I am shooting portraits I try to minimise my direction and let people be the way they want to be.

Photographically I have been inspired by dozens of photographers. But these three always come to mind first: Josef Koudelka and his nomadic lifestyle, Alec Majoli and his dark poetic vision, and Raghu Rai with his epic portrayal of India in the middle of the 20th. century. More recently I have drawn a lot of inspiration from Lithuanian photographers such as Antanas Sutkus and Algimantas Kunčius, who captured the soul of Lithuania in the 60’s and 70’s.

I hope that by looking at my work the audience will take away the feeling of humanity and brotherhood towards the people in my photos, the feeling of respect and fascination with another human living in a completely different reality, yet so similar to our own.

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The Birth of a Utopian Dream.

Corviale was born out of a grand vision to provide affordable housing for Rome’s growing population while fostering a sense of community and well-being. Formally known as “La Corviale,” the district is situated in the southwestern outskirts of Rome, in the Primavalle neighborhood. Its origins trace back to the mid-20th century, during Italy’s post-World War II reconstruction period when there was a pressing need for affordable housing to accommodate the rapidly growing population.

In 1972, a visionary competition was organized to tackle the housing crisis, inviting architects to present innovative proposals for a massive residential complex that would provide housing for thousands of families. The winning project was designed by Mario Fiorentino, a renowned Italian architect, and his team. Construction commenced in 1972, and after several years of development, Corviale was completed in 1982.

This brutalist structure rises to a height of nine stories in some places, accommodating over 6,000 residents across its 1,000 apartments. Its striking size and shape have garnered comparisons to the renowned “Great Wall of China,” further emphasizing its significance as a monumental architectural accomplishment. Stretching 980 meters in length, Corviale holds the title of one of the world’s longest residential buildings. The project, however, encountered setbacks during its construction, leading to an abrupt finish that hindered its full realization.

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From Dream to Nightmare.

Corviale’s journey from utopia to reality has been fraught with challenges. In the absence of adequate maintenance, social services, and convenient transportation links to central Rome, the district struggled to fulfill its initial promise. As a result, certain sections of the building became occupied by squatters and plagued by drug addiction, crime, and social despair. Corviale, once an urban dream, was transformed into an urban nightmare, overshadowed by joblessness and a sense of isolation.

A World Apart.

Located just a 45-minute bus ride from Rome’s ancient canter, Corviale presents a stark contrast to the bustling historical heart of the city. The district’s surreal concrete landscape evokes a sense of detachment and otherness as if it exists in a parallel universe. Within this unique environment, young residents navigate a complex love-hate relationship with their surroundings, grappling with the realities of their daily lives.

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Renewal and Transformation.

In the early 2000s, the local authorities recognized the need for revitalizing Corviale and improving the living conditions of its residents. Urban renewal projects were initiated to address social issues and structural concerns. The aim was to transform the district into a more inclusive and vibrant community. Renovation efforts focused on improving public spaces, creating recreational areas, and introducing commercial spaces to foster economic activity within the complex. Community engagement programs were implemented to encourage residents’ participation in the revitalization process, instilling a sense of ownership and pride in their living environment.

Reflections on Corviale.

Corviale’s story serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between urban planning, social dynamics, and community well-being. It prompts us to critically examine the gaps in realizing utopian visions and the importance of ongoing support and investment in sustaining and revitalizing communities. While Corviale may have experienced setbacks, its residents are an embodiment of the human spirit, finding strength and beauty amidst the concrete walls and fragmented dreams.

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About Mykolas Juodelė

I am a photojournalist and documentary photographer from Vilnius, Lithuania. My background consists of a curious blend of professional figure skating, film and Persian language studies, and almost a decade of life on the road journeying everywhere from Nouakchott to Jakarta and from Helsinki to Khartoum.

I am an alumnus of FAMU (Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague) and London Middlesex University, a member of the Lithuanian Photographers’ Association, Lithuanian Journalists’ Union and a recent graduate of VII academy masterclass “Photojournalism and Documentary Photography with Maciek Nabrdalik and Mary Gelman”. In 2021 I joined Redux Pictures as a contributing photographer.

You can find Mykolas Juodelė on the web:

Copyrights:
All the pictures in this post are copyrighted to Mykolas Juodelė. Their reproduction, even in part, is forbidden without the explicit approval of the rightful owners.

In a quaint village nestled amidst the lush greenery, not far from the bustling city of Kolkata, lived an 80-year-old man named Sundar Rajbongshit. Despite his age, Sundar possessed a radiant energy that defied time. He had spent a significant portion of his life working tirelessly, first in a private job and then toiling on his farm to ensure a bright future for his four sons and three daughters.

Sundar’s dedication knew no bounds as he lovingly raised his children, providing for their needs and nurturing their dreams. His heart overflowed with joy as he watched them grow and eventually find their own paths in marriage. He was content, believing that the love he sowed would be reciprocated in his twilight years.

However, as the years passed, Sundar found himself slowly fading from the forefront of his children’s lives. They became immersed in their own families and responsibilities, leaving him feeling forgotten and alone. The void in his heart grew deeper, and both his physical and mental well-being began to suffer.

One day, consumed by an inexplicable urge to seek solace, Sundar embarked on a journey, following an inner compass that led him far away from the bustling city. He ventured into the heart of the countryside until he stumbled upon a quaint fishery village. There, he met a compassionate man who owned the fishery and extended a warm hand of friendship.

With a heart heavy with the weight of loneliness, Sundar expressed his desire to contribute to the village and offered his services in exchange for food and shelter. Touched by the old man’s earnestness, the fishery owner welcomed Sundar with open arms, recognizing the wealth of experience and wisdom he brought with him.

As the days turned into weeks, Sundar immersed himself in the rhythm of the fishery village. He woke up at the crack of dawn, working side by side with the villagers to care for the fishery in an honest and dedicated manner. To everyone’s amazement, Sundar’s age seemed like a mere number as he remained free from illness, devoid of any need for medication.

The magic of the village did not end there. As Sundar found himself embraced by the simplicity of rural life, he discovered a new family in the most unexpected of companions – ten street dogs and a friendly cat. They became his loyal confidants and playmates, showering him with unconditional love and companionship.

Sundar’s heart swelled with gratitude and joy as he realized that these animals had become his family, filling the void left by his distant human relatives. The unconditional love they offered was a healing balm for his soul, mending the wounds of neglect and isolation. The dogs accompanied him on his daily chores, and the cat would curl up next to him at night, keeping him warm in the chilly hours.

Living in a modest cottage, miles away from any human habitation, Sundar felt more at home than he ever did surrounded by walls filled with people. He had discovered a profound truth – that family transcends blood ties and can be found in the hearts of those who cherish and accept us for who we are.

As time passed, Sundar became an integral part of the village, and his story began to spread beyond its borders. People marveled at the incredible transformation that had taken place in him. Sundar’s beaming smile and infectious laughter became a symbol of hope and inspiration for everyone who heard his tale.

In the embrace of nature and the love of his newfound family, Sundar had found the elixir of life – one that enriched his spirit and revitalized his weary body. The once-lost old man had become a beacon of light for those seeking meaning and purpose in their own lives.

And so, in the quaint fishery village, Sundar Rajbongshit lived on, forever grateful for the blessings life had bestowed upon him. With each passing day, he proved that love, compassion, and the joy of simple connections could heal even the deepest wounds, reminding us all that the essence of life lies not in material possessions, but in the love we share and the connections we forge.

#1. Sundar’s close friends

#2. Sundar’s unspoken love. No words necessary

#3. Exploring the Untold Emotions of Sundar Rajbangshi

#4. Sundar at his element (Solitude)

#5. His true family

#6. Age and wisdom

#7. Tools of his wisdom

#8. Cherished by his neighbors

#9. A visible pain in his eyes

#10. Solitude and serenity

#11. Company by choice, not by blood

About Anjan Ghosh

I am passionate about photography, especially in rural and semi-urban life. India is a country where the main essence comes out from the rural areas that makes it unique among other countries. My intention is to search this uniqueness and produce them on the global platform. Urbanisation is swallowing down our daily life style in a rapid pace. Yet, the Indian villages are competing with this urbanisation in a positive way for a long time. I do go to the interiors of my state [West Bengal] and literally ‘research’ the village life style. And then, if the need be, take a few snaps. I try to capture only those moments of a village or a rural life, which would bring out the hardcore truth about the subject.

Sometimes, I have to face challenges to get the required snaps. My intention is not to show poverty or the poorness of Indian villages, but to portray something which would eventually come in aid of the rural people. And the good news is, I am getting support in this regard. It is slow, but a steady process!

A few of my like-minded friends are becoming aware of my intention, are showing interest to take some positive actions. We have taken a pledge that by this, if we can at least try to ‘change’ the life of one family in any part of our state; or in India, we would be greatly obliged. And by doing this, if we can ask or request the government to take some positive actions to change the condition of the village for the better, it would be a great achievement for us. I am an optimistic person, and I definitely believe that in the near future, more people would be interested in this endeavour.

You can find Anjan Ghosh on the web:

Copyrights:
All the pictures in this post are copyrighted to Anjan Ghosh. Their reproduction, even in part, is forbidden without the explicit approval of the rightful owners.