How did the shower surroundings come about around the pia?
Around the time that modern plumbing became standard throughout many residences, at least one resident renovated their shower around the existing pia instead of eliminating the old basin altogether. At the time of the renovation, perhaps the residence previously housed a kitchen, wash area, or utility room. Rather than removing the original basin from its location, this individual elected to retain the old stone pia.
By electing to maintain the old stone pia, this homeowner provided his/her new bathroom with character. The old stone pia represents an element of yesterday whereas the new shower represents today. As such, both elements form a mini-time capsule in an otherwise typical residential apartment.
Why does it matter?
While there are many aspects to preserving the character of an older home; including but not limited to a worn stairway tread, old door latch or a long-abandoned stone basin; the story that each of these elements tells far exceeds what a perfectly finished new surface will ever provide.
The old stone pia provides insight into the practical nature of design in earlier times. People constructed items using readily accessible materials. Items were made to serve a purpose. When an item was no longer useful, it was discarded.
