The directions of geography. Considerations on memories, practices, knowledge and perspectives of the discipline in the margins of the seminar “Geograf(i)e Sapienti: Pratiche materiali e saperi immateriali”

Abstract

The conference Geograf(i)e Sapienti: Pratiche materiali e saperi immateriali, held December 2, 2024, at the Sapienza, University of Rome, provided a moment of reflection on the directions of geography, analyzing the discipline’s memories, practices and knowledge. After an introduction of the O.R.I. project, focused on Sapienza’s geodocumentary heritage and curated by professor Sandra Leonardi, the focus shifted to the figure of geographer Claudia Merlo, the first female researcher at Sapienza's Institute of Geography. The subsequent panel discussion, moderated by professor Marco Maggioli, traced a century of geography teaching, highlighting the evolution of the discipline. The event underscored the importance of geography as a tool for critical reading of reality and for enhancing marginalized voices.