The Uniss Department of Architecture in Orani

The Department of Architecture, Design, and Urban Planning at the University of Sassari, in collaboration with the Municipal Administration of Orani, is hosting a two-day study event on October 29th and 30th, titled "Adaptive Reuse of Historic Structures in Inland Areas: Culture, Materials, and Local Knowledge." The initiative, which includes both a workshop and a seminar, is part of the activities outlined in an agreement between the Municipality of Orani and the Department. The scientific coordinators are Professor Antonello Monsù Scolaro and Dr. Katia Gasparini.

The Workshop: Surveying and Direct Exploration of the Historic Center (October 29th)

The first day, dedicated to the workshop, will involve over 100 students from the degree program in Architectural and Design Sciences, specifically those enrolled in courses on Architectural Technology. At 11:00 AM, in the historic center, the Mayor of Orani, Marco Ziranu, will offer official welcoming remarks, followed by a presentation of the initiative by the Councilor for Public Works and Urban Planning, Mariaelisa Marongiu. Two introductory talks are also scheduled: one by Giuliana Frau (from the SABAP—Superintendency for Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape for Sassari and Nuoro) on the delicate balance between preservation and enhancement in historic settings; and another by Silvano Piras (from ANAB—National Association for Bio-ecological Architecture, Sardinia) on local buildings and materials, exploring how nature and climate can guide sustainable redevelopment. Starting at 2:15 PM, the students will engage in surveying and direct exploration of Orani’s historic center, allowing them to gain hands-on experience with the traditional built heritage, its materials, and its construction techniques.

Seminar on October 30th: A Dialogue Between Institutions and Academia

The centerpiece of the two-day event will be a seminar held on Friday, October 30th, at the Orani Convention Center (in the Istolo area) from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, titled "Re-inhabiting Places: Preserving, Regenerating, and Enhancing Traditional Built Heritage."

The proceedings will open with remarks from Orani Mayor Ziranu, Fabrizio Tucci (President of the Italian Society of Architectural Technology, SITdA), and the President of the Order of Architects, Planners, and Landscape Architects of Nuoro. The seminar will feature distinguished speakers from both academic and institutional spheres, including:

Francesco Spanedda, Regional Minister for Local Government, Finance, and Urban Planning for the Autonomous Region of Sardinia; faculty members and researchers from various universities—such as Sapienza University of Rome (Prof. Alessandra Battisti, Prof. Fabrizio Tucci), the University of Bologna (Prof. Ernesto Antonini, Prof. Jacopo Gaspari, Dr. Lia Marchi), the Polytechnic University of Milan (Prof. Alessio Battistella), and the University of Sassari (Prof. Bruno Billeci, Prof. Maria Dessì, Prof. Romina Deriu)—as well as experts in professional practice, heritage conservation, and sustainable development, with contributions from the SABAP (Superintendency for Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape) of Sassari and Nuoro, ANAB Sardinia, and Strategic Management Partners.

The event will conclude with a roundtable discussion moderated by Prof. Antonello Monsù Scolaro, followed by closing remarks from Prof. Fabrizio Tucci, Director of the Design Area at the Italian State Property Agency (Agenzia del Demanio). The seminar will be available to watch via live stream at this link.

These two days aim to promote the regeneration of traditional heritage through dialogue between the research community, institutions, and local populations. The event will explore the role of local materials, heritage conservation, innovation, and community knowledge as catalysts for re-inhabiting these places and creating new opportunities for sustainable development in inland areas.

The event is held under the patronage of SITdA (Italian Society of Architectural Technology), the Order of Architects, Planners, Landscapers, and Conservators of the Province of Nuoro, and the Federation of the Orders of Architects of Sardinia.

The seminar offers 4 professional training credits (CFP), accredited by the Order of Architects, Planners, Landscapers, and Conservators of the Province of Nuoro.