Anthropic risk and place identity: a method of analysis and a case study

Anthropic risk in places of strong tourist attraction poses a threat to cultural heritage and the surrounding area. Many elements cause anthropic risk: they are not easily identifiable due to the dynamic and often uncontrollable nature of phenomena linked to the presence of humans. In order to mitigate such risk, areas close to these sites can be identified so as to extend the visitor’s range of action and offer alternative activities integrated with the main site. Cultural sites and appropriate activities can be identified using a method of analysis that is able to trace the identity of places, their characteristics and potential, to provide sustainable and integrated enhancement. The aim of this paper is to use PlaceMaker, an urban analysis method to enable identification of elements not shown on traditional maps which form place identity, to plot them on a complex map, thereby making them ‘readable’. In order to highlight the method’s potential, the experiment carried out in the Trevi-Pantheon area in Rome is illustrated.