Designing Preservation integrating the architectural project to UNESCO tools to tackle territorial fragility: the Tivoli case as a pilot experience

Abstract

The research investigates the potential contribution of a design-based approach to the current institutional UNESCO safeguard tools concerning the relation core/territory, challenging the conservative role of buffer zones that lead to stalemate situations in terms of territorial development, especially in the Italian context. Through the analysis of case studies, a methodological approach is developed that focuses on the one hand on the use of design tools for the assessment of heritage-related territories (cognitive framework) , and on the other hand on the use of design actions in the management strategies for valorisation (interpretation framework). These tools are tested on the relevant experimental case of Tivoli, seat of two major World Heritage sites, as a pilot experience of integration of design tools in safeguard and management strategies for the solution of territorial fragility in complex heritage-related contexts.

Keywords: UNESCO buffer zones, heritage territoriality, heritage design