Between Oblivion and Regeneration. A Map of Abandoned Spontaneous Architecture in the Abruzzo Inner Areas (Italy)

Vernacular architecture reflects the relationship between a community and its territory, embodying local traditions and knowledge. It has developed through empirical knowledge, adapting to morphology, resources, climate and socio-economic needs. In many areas, the prevailing rural economy favoured the spread of buildings functional to the management of the territory. This type of architecture is widespread in inner areas of Italy, which face significant challenges related to the marginalisation and demographic decline phenomena. Starting from this premise, the contribution presents a preliminary analysis for mapping the spontaneous architecture in the Abruzzo inner areas, by identifying and cataloguing artefacts that define the built landscape of this territory. This architectural heritage represents evidence of the local building traditions that have developed over the centuries in relation to available resources, climatic conditions and the social needs of the communities. To systematize and make accessible the collected information, a central role has been assigned to digitisation processes through the definition of a digital catalogue integrated with consolidated GIS methodologies for data management and results analysis. The study aims to build a scientific knowledge base of vernacular architectural typologies, which may represent the basis for new insights for developing future hypotheses for the reuse and regeneration of rural architecture in an innovative and sustainable key.