Piazza "Libero D'Orsi:" A City Gate to the Archaeological Park of Ancient Stabiae, Italy

Abstract

This thesis was conceived within a broader Master Plan for the archaeological site of Ancient Stabiae, near Pompeii; which aims to enhance and transform the 150-acre site, featuring several Roman seaside villas and ancient city, into a coherent and modern archaeological park. Among the goals: preservation of the Roman villas and their environment, improvement of access and visitor's experience, promotion of cultural tourism, socio-economical development in the region. The Master Plan, which embraces different disciplines, has been developed since the beginning with a view toward urban integration and renewal; with focus on the connection with the modern city and access to the archaeological site at urban and regional scales. As result, the need for an access node was identified and a new urban space designed: the "Piazza Libero D'Orsi," an inter-modal urban renewal project that provides easy access to the site while revitalizing a key city node with mix-use functions.