Adaptive Reuse for Fortifications as a Strategy towards Conservationand Urban Regeneration. The case of ‘Canto di Stampace’ in Pisa

• Laura Marchionne ^[1] ; Elisa Parrini ^[2]
  1. [1] University of Florence

     University of Florence

     Firenze, Italia

     
  2. [2] Empoli, Italy
• Localización: FORTMED2023. Defensive architecture of the mediterranean : vol. XIII, XIV, XV / Marco Giorgio Bevilacqua (dir. congr.), Denise Ulivieri (aut.), 2023, ISBN 978-84-1396-129-3, págs. 1245-1252
• Idioma: inglés
• Enlaces
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• Resumen

  • The purpose of this paper is to illustrate a strategy for restoration and enhancement of historical fortifications.The target is to guarantee the physical conservation and the maintenance of use. Without a continuousemployment a physical declining process would rapidly occur causing abandonment. Therefore, thesehistorical buildings shall be restored, connected to and integrated into the cultural activities and itinerariesof their area.The main objective for this research is the study of the south-west section of the medieval city walls ofPisa including the sixteenth-century bastion, so-called Canto di Stampace. The definition of the restorationproposal is based on its strengths and weaknesses in order to increase the value of the firsts and rectify theseconds. The aim is to integrate the area inside the city life through the realization of new social spaces.The outdoor spaces have been redesigned as a new urban park, including multi-functional areas for severalactivities that will involve the University and the museums of Pisa. The addition of technological featuresemploys a contemporary language. These new additions are meant to not be excessive or invasive and thedesign uses light materials and solutions in order to be respectful to the identity of the location, chasing theconcept of “compatibility”. The design of the street furniture consists of elements that strive to be versatile,adaptable, and integrated within the context. It also includes the choice of specific plant species, in order toimprove the environment both from an esthetical and ecological point of view.In conclusion, the area known as Canto di Stampace shall be converted from a neglected unsafe area toan important landmark destination with a high cultural and social value. With new vitality and dynamismto the neighbourhood, it will immensely improve the environmental qualities, adding new social catalystsand attractions.