La fruizione pubblica come bene comune. I casi studio dell’Arena e del Teatro romano di Verona.

Removing physical and cognitive barriers from cultural places is one of the internationally shared
goals, starting from the 2005 Faro Convention to the more recent UN 2030 Agenda and the National
Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). With reference to this programmatic horizon, the Municipality
of Verona and Iuav University of Venice, with MATESCA Cluster, have undertaken research activities
for the improvement of inclusive use of the monumental heritage owned by the Municipality and in
particular the Arena of Verona and the Roman Theater.
The text describes the outcomes of this shared path of analysis and knowledge that also involved
the ABAP Superintendency and the Verona Order of Architects. The application for PNRR funds
and the drafting of the Technical Sheet referred to in D.Lgs. 36/2023, Annex II.18, Title III, Art.
14 were the starting points for the development of a methodology of analysis and knowledge of the
cultural heritage specifically oriented to the accessibility and inclusive usability of Roman theaters
and amphitheaters. Archival research and site visits have traced the main critical issues while the
reconnaissance of the conditions of ancient amphitheaters and theaters in the Mediterranean area
has identified a mosaic of best practices, traceable to the main elements that characterize each
architectural type. The ability to accommodate people with different physical, sensory and cognitive
abilities was represented in a matrix, allowing specific design guidelines to be determined.
The research thus contributes to identifying a method for the participatory definition of development
scenarios aimed at improving the inclusive usability of Roman performance sites.