Analysis of vernacular architecture and urban rehabilitation proposal

An historical case study (Scalea) located in Calabria (south of Italy), characterized by a vernacular architecture typical of the entire Region, almost completely abandoned and affected by decay mixed with a large problem of infrastructural connections, is investigated. Scalea is chosen because its present urban and architectural fabric shows typical features of the local Calabrian old towns: on one hand for their historical value and on the other hand for their state of conservation that needs to be preserved and valorized. Vernacular architecture in Calabria is the expression of a building culture based on the use of simple architectonical techniques and local materials. Through an analysis of architectures and building techniques, materials properties (carrying out in situ non-destructive techniques and laboratory tests), urban structure and infrastructural connections, a reproducible methodology and rehabilitation strategy is proposed. The performed multidisciplinary research based on complementarity, integration and interaction of different disciplines (engineering, architecture, cultural heritage conservation, materials characterization and urban planning) converge in common strategies both in the research method and design proposals useful for the preservation and correct restoration procedures of the vernacular architecture.