The urban area of Via della Lungara in Rome: features, transformations and vulnerabilities through the use of digital systems

Abstract

The application of the Risk Map platform focused on a sector of the historic centre of Rome distinguished by its specific geomorphological, historical, and settlement characteristics. The area is located beyond the Tiber, along its right bank, on a flat stretch between the river to the east and the Janiculum Hill to the west. It is further delimited to the south and north by the Aurelian Walls, which enclose Trastevere, and the Leonine Walls, which surround the Vatican citadel. Due to the extensive presence of gardens and parks, the built-up area accounts for only about one third of the total surface. The heterogeneous nature of the urban fabric characterising the Lungara area complicated the identification and classification of the Urban Units (UU-A and UEPRS), leading to a partial reconsideration of the initial methodological approach. The vulnerability assessment of the historic building stock is based on the final compilation of 36 survey forms corresponding to the Urban Units and is expressed through two composite indices, Itm and Iv, calculated by the CdR system using dedicated algorithms. With reference to selected significant cases, preliminarily analysed in terms of their constructional genesis and subsequent transformations, the conservation condition of the buildings is examined in relation to alterations of building elements, replacement of finishes, structural vulnerabilities, and material decay affecting façades and roofing systems.