Lessons from Van territory: step 1

The contemporary context of conflict in which the Upper Mesopotamian region is involved, represents a field where the requirement of an adequate and ecological proposal of reconstruction appear essential. This paper aim is to deal with the definition of ecological balance, reachable through ecological behaviours submitted to aware choices regarding different aspects of sustainable relationship between men and their territory. In terms of architectural tools, vernacular heritage, if it’s studied in the complexity of the different aspects of sustainability, allows to develop conscious responses to the changeable needs of our contemporary societies in terms of identity, culture, quality and environment. On this general framework, focusing on adobe buildings heritage, the reported research was conducted in the region of Van in order to outline an operative and practical tool for the empowerment of self- construction practices. The paper explains the analytical method in which the research was carried out in the territory. Based on observation and interviews, the research needs the disposition of a support in which to systematically collect all the information obtained. The form support is inspired by AeDES ‘Field Manual for post-earthquake damage and safety assessment and short term countermeasures’ developed by Italian Civil Protection. After a general identification of the building characteristics and its position in the surrounding environment, the KEY WORDS : new form develops analytical instruments in order to allow the comprehension of each structural element (foundation, walls, floors, roof, anti-seismic presides) and to catalogue the possible intervention of ordinary and extraordinary maintenance implemented. Starting from the material collected during the field research, the aim of the work is to outline a practical guide-lines book for self-construction of adobe structures. The manual provides technological and structural advices, based on engineer analyses developed especially concerning the seismic resistance. The paper explain the first step of a research, framed in the debate over complexity of sustainability of vernacular architecture, carried out to reach awareness of regional vernacular heritage as a base on which develop strategies to face contemporary regional issues.