Perspectives for the small historical centres at risk of abandonment. A pilot project for the Granfonte district in Leonforte (Italy)
Year: 2022
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: The Granfonte district is the oldest part of the town of Leonforte; its loss of attractiveness has led to serious urban imbalances with adverse effects on local people's perception of the district. Indeed, its marginalisation has protected a part of the historical urban fabric from modern and radical transformations and has contributed to preserve its vernacular facies.On the one hand, the increasing abandonment of houses is jeopardising not only the material preservation of the historical fabric, but also the safety of its inhabitants; on the other hand, the ongoing demolitions are often associated with careless operations of significant building transformation or replacement. This rather unsettling scenario highlights the fragility of this heritage and calls for reflection on the future of vernacular architecture. Is it still possible to reinhabit these places, or must we accept their gradual dissolution? What contribution can knowledge of these architectures offer in terms of recovering an affection for historical heritage?The paper presents the main results of the research extended to the whole district and then illustrates the methodological approach for the definition of intervention strategies through the application on a small block considered representative of the typological and constructive characteristics of the place. The project process starts from the knowledge of the geometric and structural configuration of the block, its historical development, and the state of conservation with the aim of understanding its criticalities and potentials. The project outlines two alternative scenarios: the safety measures to accompany the process of becoming a ruin and the recovery of residential use. The two proposals can be conceived a two-step process of the same project, as well as two alternatives to the radical demolitions – currently ongoing – that continue to represent the main response to the challenges of living in this place.
Institutions: University of Catania, Universidad de Zaragoza
Language: English
Subfield: Archeology
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4296112563