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Furthermore, we have to consider the accessibility of the historical and architectural
heritage as one of the essential conditions about the conservation and enhancement of
the heritage itself. Therefore, it is clear the deep connection that exists between the
design for extended users (the so called Universal Design) and the growth of the tourism
system, which is considered one of the most important reinforcements for the community
welfare.
It is worth remembering the fact that the historical sites of the most important Italian
universities (such as Palazzo Poggi of the University of Bologna, the Ca' Granda of the
University of Milano or Palazzo Centrale of the University of Pavia) are also known as an
important cultural tourism destination.
In addition, considering the opportunities that move beyond the simple didactic function,
the referred catchment area significantly increases and the periods and the manner of
building use widely vary.
This research aims to define an investigation method in order to assess the accessibility
and usability of the Italian historical universities, because they are considered one of the
most important engines of Italian socio-cultural system. In addition, to ensure the
universities accessibility means to protect the principles of equality, integration and rights
to education. In fact, a key aspect of integration and social inclusion of a person with
disabilities is certainly represented by its involvement within the university life (from the
use of the University buildings, to the opportunity to reside near the principal sites, until
the practice of a sports activity), that means to obtain the social involvement of the
person in a broad sense.
Within the town of Pavia (a 70,000-inhabitant town in the north of Italy, about 40 km
south of Milan) together with the health system (with the Policlinico San Matteo
internationally recognized as one of the main Italian hospital), one of the most important
factors of the social participation and the cultural growth is represented by the university
system. Designing interventions in the university buildings (including the university
boarding schools), according to the needs of all users, can be the starting point for
increasing and improving the quality of the social system not only at the local level but
also at the territorial one.
In Pavia town reality, the University Services Center SAISD (Service for Assistance and
Integration for Students with Disabilities and Dyslexia), in collaboration with Pavia CUS
(Centre of University Sports), has introduced in recent years projects aimed at achieving
the full participation and integration even by university students with disabilities, with the
purpose to promote physical and sports activities among the students with disabilities,
not intended as a rehabilitation therapy but as an opportunity for social integration and
individual growth.
The University of Pavia has the property of over 50 buildings and among these at least 3
have a historical and architectural value (Palazzo Centrale, venue of the Faculty of Law
and Political Science and the most important administrative offices including the Rector’s
one - Palazzo San Felice, venue of the Faculty of Economics – and Monastero San
Tommaso,
with important services such as the Library for the Faculty of Letters and
Philosophy).
Born in 1361 (the year when Carlo IV founded the Studium Generale, a law and literary
school with a great notoriety, which attracted students from all over Europe) the
University of Pavia is the oldest university in Lombardy and one of the oldest in Europe.
Many scientists and scholars of international reputation have had teaching roles within
the undergraduate courses: Lazzaro Spallanzani, Lorenzo Mascheroni, Alessandro
Volta, Antonio Scarpa, and Ugo Foscolo, just to mention some. Nowadays the University
of Pavia has 9 faculties and 103 undergraduate courses, if we consider also the
branches of Cremona and Mantova (two towns of 70,000 and 40,000 inhabitants
respectively, 90 km and 150 km far from Pavia, in the eastern part of Lombardy).
