In this panel, the focus is in green areas that are intentionally, or non-intentionally, left as non-built environments within the cityscape: gardens, parks, courts, backyards. The questions that we propose to consider, are how these open-air spaces were used, and what is their role as dividers or connectors of the urban landscape. We are interested in flexible or alternating uses that such spaces may have had, or how such spaces might be associated with urban decay, or deconstruction of the cities in phases of decline. The papers may discuss aspects of natural elements as parts of construction and articulation of open-air areas. Also the different ways of using uncovered spaces inside habitations for cult practices, recreation, eating or working are among the questions presented.

Arja Karivieri (Stockholm University): From landscapes to taskscapes. Relocation and redefinition of urban activities in Rome, Pompeii and Ostia

Anna Anguissola – Riccardo Olivito (University of Pisa): "Gli spazi verdi negli edifici pubblici del quartiere sud-est di Pompei: il caso dei Praedia di Iulia Felix e del Complesso dei Riti Magici" (Green spaces in the southeast district of Pompeii: the case of the Praedia of Iulia Felix and the Complex of Magical Rites)

Ria Berg (Institutum Romanum Finlandiae): Sub tegmine fagi: Some considerations on the role of trees in Roman construction of spaces