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Project for increased accessibility for disabled
Identifying architectural obstacles
In spite of its extraordinary historical and architectural value, the archaeological site of Pompeii is still not accessible for disabled visitors. This is due not only to the distinctive layout of the ancient city, whose planners obviously did not consider this problem in its construction, but also to the inadequacy of the services, the lack of rest areas and the irregularity of the road surface, which, as a result of a lack of paving, is now badly worn, with exposed rocks and plant roots, even in less frequented areas of the city. The problem of accessibility is actually quite serious, as this is, after all, an archaeological site, which is by nature an inaccessible place to pedestrians, and does not only tax the physical abilities of the elderly, children and the physically challenged, but even the very fit.
In this light, before we even start to talk about the project, we must consider the very concept of disability itself, which cannot be limited to a simplistic image of a person in a wheelchair, and must in fact be broadened to include quite a significant proportion of the population (20%, according to the WHO) in a challenged situation, including persons with temporary forms of disability, such as: injured persons, pregnant women and the elderly, who find long walks with no opportunities for rest difficult.
The broader definition is also the subject of legislation, specifically Ministerial Decree 236/89 and Presidential Decree 503/96, in which the concept of “architectural obstacles” is used not just with reference to challenged categories, but rather to all users.
Applying these considerations to an archaeological site such as Pompeii highlights a number of different “architectural obstacles” in this broader sense. Above and beyond the "material obstacles", such as steps, gaps and variations in height throughout the itinerary, we also identified a number of “sensorial obstacles” caused by complex spatial situations and by the lack of any indications to warn disabled visitors of potentially tiring or difficult conditions that limit the site's accessibility to all.
In spite of its extraordinary historical and architectural value, the archaeological site of Pompeii is still not accessible for disabled visitors. This is due not only to the distinctive layout of the ancient city, whose planners obviously did not consider this problem in its construction, but also to the inadequacy of the services, the lack of rest areas and the irregularity of the road surface, which, as a result of a lack of paving, is now badly worn, with exposed rocks and plant roots, even in less frequented areas of the city. The problem of accessibility is actually quite serious, as this is, after all, an archaeological site, which is by nature an inaccessible place to pedestrians, and does not only tax the physical abilities of the elderly, children and the physically challenged, but even the very fit.
In this light, before we even start to talk about the project, we must consider the very concept of disability itself, which cannot be limited to a simplistic image of a person in a wheelchair, and must in fact be broadened to include quite a significant proportion of the population (20%, according to the WHO) in a challenged situation, including persons with temporary forms of disability, such as: injured persons, pregnant women and the elderly, who find long walks with no opportunities for rest difficult.
The broader definition is also the subject of legislation, specifically Ministerial Decree 236/89 and Presidential Decree 503/96, in which the concept of “architectural obstacles” is used not just with reference to challenged categories, but rather to all users.
Applying these considerations to an archaeological site such as Pompeii highlights a number of different “architectural obstacles” in this broader sense. Above and beyond the "material obstacles", such as steps, gaps and variations in height throughout the itinerary, we also identified a number of “sensorial obstacles” caused by complex spatial situations and by the lack of any indications to warn disabled visitors of potentially tiring or difficult conditions that limit the site's accessibility to all.
The accessibility project
The project plans to upgrade a number of pedestrian pathways that start near the 2nd San Paolino gate and lead into the archaeological site, specifically:
Via della Palestra and Via di Castricio, joining up with Via dell’Abbondanza in various spots.
From Via della Palestra, crossing Via di Nocera to reach the area near the Palestra Grande. Improvement work to the avenue lined with pine trees will allow another access to Via dell’Abbondanza near Porta Sarno, to then lead on to the entrance of Piazza Anfiteatro.
Lastly, a new pedestrian pathway is planned against the walls.
In addition to upgrading the actual pathways, the project also involves the construction of a number of removable compatible and non-compatible elements (ramps), to allow visitors to cross Via di Nocera and a number of roads perpendicular to Via dell’Abbondanza.
Via della Palestra and Via di Castricio, joining up with Via dell’Abbondanza in various spots.
From Via della Palestra, crossing Via di Nocera to reach the area near the Palestra Grande. Improvement work to the avenue lined with pine trees will allow another access to Via dell’Abbondanza near Porta Sarno, to then lead on to the entrance of Piazza Anfiteatro.
Lastly, a new pedestrian pathway is planned against the walls.
In addition to upgrading the actual pathways, the project also involves the construction of a number of removable compatible and non-compatible elements (ramps), to allow visitors to cross Via di Nocera and a number of roads perpendicular to Via dell’Abbondanza.
The work planned
A primary concern is that none of the work is discordant with the archaeological nature of the site. Specifically, the work planned entails: rolling and compacting the existing ground, levelling surface irregularities, stabilising the top surface against wear and filling paving gaps. For the area outside the walls only, new, smooth paving level with slabs will be installed to allow the transit of wheelchairs.
Ultimo aggiornamento: 08/04/2008
