STRATEGIES AND PROJECTS FOR THE RURAL ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE: The Tower Houses in the Reggio Apennines

Abstract ID: 3.11370 | Not reviewed | Requested as: Talk | TBA | TBA

Erika Sezzi (1)

(1) Politecnico di Milano, Via Edoardo Bonardi, 3, 20133 Milano, IT

Categories: Architecture, Conservation, Sustainable Development
Keywords: rural heritage, adaptive reuse, Apennines, conservation, abandonment

Categories: Architecture, Conservation, Sustainable Development
Keywords: rural heritage, adaptive reuse, Apennines, conservation, abandonment

Abstract

The tower house is an architectural tipology that has played a fundamental role in the socio-territorial organization of the Reggio Apennines for centuries, contributing to sustainable socio-economic growth through its historical role in agricultural practices and rural economies, while also could now present opportunities for slow tourism and cultural revitalization. Acting as a recognizable landmark of the landscape and a pivotal element of rural settlements, its relevance extends beyond history, as it remains a key component in contemporary discussions on rural resilience. Currently, the conservation and use of these structures face significant challenges due to depopulation and abandonment, resulting in the progressive loss of architectural and cultural heritage. However, their adaptive reuse can foster sustainable agricultural practices, support local economic innovation, and contribute to the resilience of rural communities. Contemporary architectural interventions offer strategic solutions to preserve and refunctionalize these buildings, ensuring their integration into evolving rural contexts. Through a design driven approach, my contribution wants to explore how thoughtful projects can transform these historical structures into sustainable and resilient landmarks, bridging tradition and modern needs. To further develop these reflections, a multidisciplinary work will be conducted, engaging policymakers, technicians, and academics. This initiative aligns with participatory territorial development and public policy integration by fostering collaborative decision-making and policy-driven conservation strategies. My research primary outcome is the creation of an analytical matrix—a practical and effective tool that diverse stakeholders can employ to guide quality interventions, ensuring the long-term sustainability of these structures and their contribution to regional regeneration.

Choose the session you want to submit an abstract. Please be assured that similar sessions will either be scheduled consecutively or merged once the abstract submission phase is completed.

Select your preferred presentation mode
Please visit the session format page to get a detailed view on the presentation timings
The final decision on oral/poster is made by the (Co-)Conveners and will be communicated via your My#IMC dashboard

Please add here your abstract meeting the following requirements:
NO REFERNCES/KEYWORDS/ACKNOWEDGEMENTS IN AN ABSTRACT!
Limits: min 100 words, max 350 words or 2500 characters incl. tabs
Criteria: use only UTF-8 HTML character set, no equations/special characters/coding
Copy/Paste from an external editor is possible but check/reformat your text before submitting (e.g. bullet points, returns, aso)

Add here affiliations (max. 50) for you and your co-author(s). Use the row number to assign the affiliation to you and your co-author(s).
When you hover over the row number you are able to change the order of the affiliation list.

1
1

Add here co-author(s) (max. 50) to your abstract. Please assign the affiliation(s) of each co-author in the "Assigned Aff. No" by using the corresponding numbers from the "Affiliation List" (e.g.: 1,2,...)
When you hover over the row number you are able to change the order of the co-author list.

1

Each tag/name can exist of max. 3 single words

1
2
3
4
5
1
Close