The current system of instruments for the protection and enhancement of World Heritage is an articulated collection of tools, ranging from local regulations to more specifically UNESCO-developed devices. The analysis of this system, with specific reference to Management Plans and buffer zones, certainly highlights their strengths and potential, but also some limitations and shortcomings. Although both the Management Plans and the buffer zones imply a possible planning and transformative role, to date it seems that these instruments are not really capable to fully interpret the processes of mutual relationships between the sites and the territories that surround them. This lack takes on an even greater weight when confronted with fragile territorial conditions and with archaeological sites, considered the most vulnerable heritage par excellence. In this framework, the object is the introduction of design processes within the UNESCO toolbox, in direct relation or in addition to the instruments and systems already available. In particular, the study is directed to the role of architectural design within the UNESCO panorama, enhancing its capacity to formulate objectives, design topics and actions at different scales, including those related to broader infrastructural and landscape issues. These considerations are collected and presented in some applications studies developed on a selection of archaeological sites, used as sandboxes for the development of a “design model” – a new design tool able to interpret the requirements of heritage and its territory, transforming them into architectural projects.
Greta Allegretti is PhD in Architectural Urban Interior Design. After obtaining her Master’s Degree in 2017 at Politecnico di Milano, she deepened her education with a Master in Museography, Architecture and Archaeology (Accademia Adrianea di Architettura e Archeologia). In 2022 she completed her PhD at Politecnico di Milano with a thesis focused on the elaboration of design models for the Italian UNESCO archaeological heritage located in fragile sites. She is currently engaged in didactical and research activities about interior and exhibition design, valorization and project for heritage.