Parco Schuster come laboratorio di accessibilità: metodi, strumenti e risultati di una ricerca sugli spazi aperti pubblici inclusivi

The creation of public spaces as environments that foster interaction and strengthen collective identity is one of the most recognized strategies for advancing equity, participation, and quality of life. In this context, the regeneration of “green infrastructure” is a key priority in both European and global policy agendas (Vargas-Hernández et al., 2021) and renewing these processes through inclusive tools and methods promotes collective critical awareness and reinforces social cohesion (Lambertini, 2013).This contribution presents the methodology, tools, and outcomes of the research project “Accessible and Inclu-sive Outdoor Spaces: The Transformation of Schuster Park in Rome into a Universal Park”, conducted by the Department of Architecture at Roma Tre University in collaboration with the Tetrabondi Onlus Foundation, the Department of Human Neurosciences at Sapienza University of Rome, the Italian Association of Oc-cupational Therapists (AITO), and the cultural association AES (Architecture, Emergency, Development).The goal of the research was to define iterative and scalable intervention strategies for the transforma-tion of existing parks into accessible public spaces usable by the widest range of users, using Schuster Park in Rome as a case study.The study proposed a participatory model capable of demonstrating how the integration of flexibility principles and the involvement of diverse stakeholders can positively influence the phases of site analysis, inclusive design, and shared implementation (Magarò et al., 2024). Throughout the research process, a set of analytical tools was developed, designed to operate at various levels of depth and complexity, to iden-tify existing barriers and obstacles within the park area and its connections to nearby urban nodes. This investigation, while outlining the current conditions and the unique character of the site, also enabled the development of guidelines by identifying spatial, technological, and environmental features to inform design strategies. These led to specific morphological and functional solutions that meet the requirements of inclusivity and environmental accessibility for the psychophysical well-being of individuals (Calcag-nini, 2024). To address the complexity of the themes explored, user ideas and insights were integrated through recurring opportunities for dialogue and engagement, promoting an approach centered on the awareness of spatial practices and the sense of belonging to place.Moreover, the involvement of various public and private institutions enabled the results of the research to be donated to Rome’s VIII Municipality and to Roma Capitale. These institutions formally adopted the research as a Design Guidance Document, supporting the integration of universal design principles for the park into the urban planning frameworks of the City of Rome and the Società Giubileo 2025