Drawing as a guide. Observing the Roman seashore

Theobjectiveofthiscontributionistostudythedrawingprocessas a selective experience to get one’s bearings in particularly complex places where nature, water, archaeology, historical memories and the built all merge together. The purpose of this procedure is to acquire knowledge about all kinds of cultural heritage; as part of that procedure, direct observation is used to represent the elements and peculiarities that make the identity of the site in question unique and recognisable, and hence enable it to be promoted. The study focuses on the entire Isola Sacra area in Fiumicino, initially by studying its nature and land- scape and then by concentrating more in-depth on some of its most significant features (the park and Villa Guglielmi, street façades, the Nicolina tower and the former electric power plant). Any representation must always critically but faithfully portray the site and provide not only the graphic basis on which to develop survey operations, but also prompt discussions about the management and enhancement of the cultural asset. Orientation does not only involve taking note of the environment, spaces and exposure, but also identifying and describing the paths, directions and entrances. In other words it involves understanding the current condition of the site and its conservation.