A dynamic approach to the monitoration of the mass tourism impact on place identity: the PlaceMaker method

Massive use of places with strong tourist att raction with the consequent possibility of losing place identity produces harmful effects on cities and their users. In order to mitigate this risk, areas close to such places can be identified so as to widen the visitor’s range of action and offer alternative activities integrated with the main site. The aim of this work is to propose PlaceMaker as a dynamic method of urban analysis and design which both detects elements that do not feature in traditional mapping and which constitute the contemporary identity of the places, and identifies appropriate project interventions. In order to illustrate the method’s potential, the results of the experimentation carried out in the Trevi-Pantheon route in Rome and the appropriate interventions to decongest the area are illustrated.