Architecture students in class on the streets of Ittiri

The CorosVivo project, born from a collaboration between the Gra.Vis research group at the University of Sassari and the Union of Municipalities of Coros, involves the Municipality of Ittiri for "The Roads of Trachyte" and the Municipality of Ploaghe for "The Roads of Mosaic."

Trachyte is more than just a building material: it is a living trace of the identity of places, an element that recounts history, technique, and culture. The cities of Sardinia, and Ittiri in particular, still preserve this stone heritage, which speaks of craftsmanship, architecture, and landscapes shaped over time. Understanding stone means interpreting the landscape, observing its evolution, and learning to design with greater awareness.
From this perspective, the Department of Architecture, Design, and Urban Planning at the University of Sassari plays a central role, transforming the urban fabric into a space for direct learning. Through fieldwork, the University invites students to engage with the reality of historic centers, local materials, and the dynamics that connect tradition and contemporary design. This is a way to train future architects capable of interpreting the context and respecting its memory.
In Ittiri, sixty University students, led by professors Michele Valentino and Andrea Sias, explored the trachyte streets, closely analyzing the architectural features and identifying values ​​of the historic center. The initiative transformed the city into an open-air classroom, offering an educational experience that combines observation, research, and dialogue with the local community. This project confirms the University of Sassari's role as a cultural and educational engine, capable of enhancing local heritage and transmitting its meaning to new generations.
The initiative represents the natural continuation of "Ittiri. The Paths of Trachyte," the consultancy project developed by the Gra.Vis research group (Graphic and Visual Sciences Research Laboratory) led by Professor Enrico Cicalò as part of the agreement, promoted by Professor Antonello Monsù, relating to the CorosVivo project of the Union of Municipalities of Coros, involving the Municipality of Ittiri for "The Paths of Trachyte" and the Municipality of Ploaghe for "The Paths of Mosaic."