Inclusive Design Practices for Natural Parks. Products and Services for Experience-Focused Solutions in Places of High Naturalistic Value

Abstract

The research investigates the possibilities deriving from inclusive design methods in contexts of high naturalistic value. Natural parks, reserves and public gardens play a strategic role from an ecological, social and cultural point of view. Therefore it is necessary to place them at the center of a new scientific debate on methods for the study, the development and the governance of these assets. They are particular and multi-functional contexts in which today it is necessary to operate both in terms of environmental and landscape protection (ecodesign), and in relation to the evolved needs of their users (user-centered design). After a deep analysis concerning international case studies, the research proposes a new possible model of inclusiveness for design practices oriented to territories enhancement. A model capable of acting both in the metaproject phases (introducing interdisciplinarity and co-design practices) and in the properly design phases (according to the principles of design-for-all).

The research “Inclusive design practices for natural parks. Product and services for experience-focused solution in places of high naturalistic value” derives from the scientific activities of the II level Specialization Course “Natural capital and protected areas, planning, design and management”, promoted by the Department of Planning, Design and Technologies of Architecture (PDTA) – Sapienza University of Rome. The research is coordinated by Professor Carlo Martino and Professor Vincenzo Cristallo – with the scientific support of PhD Ivo Caruso. The general aim of the research is to analyse the system of physical and intangible tools which implement, give value and new functions to naturalistic areas, through specific “integrated services”, able to create connections between products and communication design.