Ostia. Un museo della città antica

The essay describes a scientific and educational initiative that Antonio Pugliano has been developing for the past two years in the DiPSA design and architectural study department of "Roma Tre" University. The department is working in partnership with the Soprintendenza Speciale ai Beni Archeologici di Roma, the Ordine degli Architetti and the PPC of Provincia di Roma, with additional interest from important international scientific institutions and academies, including the Universities of Cordoba and Malaga, the Laboratorio de Arqueologia y Arquitectura de la Ciudad at the Escuela de Estudios Arabes of the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas. The project entails preparing and executing a research and training programme for the safeguarding and fruition of the Roman Ostia’s archaeological heritage. The scheme aims to set up a system for documenting, conserving and managing the environmental, natural and anthropic context of the archaeological site and improving and developing it to promote tourism, by identifying and characterizing potential material and immaterial attractions. The programme concentrates on an awareness of the way the town fabric and buildings have developed and undergone transformation. The buildings will be the focus of the activities proposed. The introduction of safeguarding and restoration measures is aimed at helping the concrete structures to survive and enhancing the gift of eloquence and vocation for use that Ostia affords the local community. The scheme combines information and know-how with tangible proposals: improved familiarity with the archaeological site will make it possible for attractions to be identified, and the modus operandi will be defined subject to renovation of the town through a system of aptly-placed, theme-based itineraries. The latter will represent the two extremes of the exhibition and will be located in buildings renovated, restored and made operative again, as is appropriate in a city-museum. Antonio pugliano demonstrates the importance of the initiative, describing the current situation where studies and training are concerned and their position in relation to the practices currently in force in Italy as regards culture, economics and conservation