VIRTUAL ISTANBUL HERITAGE(S)
Abstract
In recent decades, the approach to cultural heritage has progressively evolved, recognizing the need to move beyond traditional conservation practices toward more integrated and dynamic perspectives. International policies have increasingly focused on small settlements, rural villages, and historic villages, particularly in countries affected by depopulation, decay, and abandonment. Within this framework, the Italian historic villages, so called “borghi storici”, represents a distinctive settlement type whose value lies not only in its cultural and landscape heritage but also in its ability to embody sustainable models of living. In Italy villages, usually understood as municipalities with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants, account for over 60% of all Italian municipalities, host around 10 million residents, and cover a significant portion of the national territory. Their recovery and regeneration have a strategic relevance in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda, particularly those concerning Sustainable Cities and Communities (Goal 11). This contribution explores the evolution and defining features of historic villages in Italy, analyzing their morphological, urban, landscape, and technological aspects to identify recurring principles — such as urban compactness, climatic adaptation, material coherence, and strong territorial integration — that reveal an inherently ecological and sustainable logic. A selection of case studies is used to verify these principles and to show how the traditional settlement structures of Italian villages can inspire contemporary strategies of regeneration, resilience, and ecological transition. Ultimately, the research reframes the borgo storico not as a fragile or residual condition, but as a proactive and regenerative model capable of contributing to global sustainability goals and guiding new ways of inhabiting and designing the territory.
Nicola Pio Di Tommaso (born 10-04-1999, San Giovanni Rotondo, FG) is an architect and PhD candidate in Architecture and Urban Planning at the University of Ferrara. He conducts teaching support and research activities focused on architectural design and technology. His research centers on historic villages, investigating inclusive strategies for regeneration, energy efficiency, decarbonisation, resilience, and nature-based solutions. He collaborates on national and international projects and actively contributes to scientific conferences and publications.