Il COR-TEN come materia significante nel recupero degli edifici storici. Alcune riflessioni / Some reflections about COR-TEN steel in the reuse of the historic buildings

In our cities are a growing number of projects developed from historic buildings, recovered and converted to new uses and functions; fundamental action in the transformation of urban landscapes. Among the many projects aimed on the 'heritage reuse', we focused on those who have chosen, as a distinctive feature, the use of corten steel. Corten has often played a significant role in the insertion of contemporary architectural forms in buildings and historical contexts. Its success is not due to affordability and adaptability for use, but, above all, to the particular feature of its rusty surface. Quality that makes it aesthetically compatible with old materials. The different projects, ranging from the creation of new volumes, to redesign of the lost elements, and the punctual redefinition of interior spaces, were analyzed through the study of a significant number of recent examples. The purpose of the analysis was to assess the sustainability, efficiency and performance over time of the material, frequently used as a new expressive wrapper, and interventions as a whole, in relation to some predetermined level, conscious historical memory but also in line with the current needs.