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.