VIRTUAL London Heritages Conference
Abstract
The constant growth of mass tourism, which has been observed for decades, contrasts with an increasing interest in slow, low-impact tourism circuits that are historically and culturally oriented and focused on the landscape and territory. In Italy, in particular, the wealth of available heritage is almost inexhaustible, and the need to preserve and enhance it assumes strategic importance. Beyond the urban network, better known and frequented by mass tourism, the wealth of architectural heritage characterizing rural areas deserves an appropriate cultural appreciation. Starting from the analysis of several Italian and European examples, this paper aims, through the case study of the Castle of Collalto, located near Venice, to develop a methodology for enhancing historical and architectural heritage in rural areas. This is achieved through the combined use of experimental design practices – intended as a way to deepen the understanding of places and architectural artifacts – digital knowledge tools and the conception of specific cultural programs. Dating back to the 12th century, the Castle of Collalto stands on the homonymous hill in a strategic position overlooking the Piave River passage between the plains and the Prealps. Destroyed during the bombings of World War I and abandoned ever since, it is now undergoing a rediscovery process, partly due to its location within the buffer zone of the UNESCO site “The Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene,” which has significantly increased interest in the area.
Mauro Marzo, architect and PhD, is currently an Associate Professor of Architectural Composition and the Coordinator of the Bachelor’s Degree Program at Iuav University of Venice. Since 2015, he has been the scientific coordinator of the international university training and research network “Designing Heritage Tourism Landscapes” and since 2016 he has served as the scientific coordinator (together with V. Ferrario) of the Iuav Interdisciplinary Research Unit “CULTLAND. Cultural Landscapes.”
Francesca Bertoncello, architect, is currently a postdoctoral researcher at Iuav University of Venice. In 2023 she won a Scholarship provided by Peregrine Bryant Architects to learn the traditional conservation techniques in the UK through work experiences and relevant conservation courses.
Emanuela Sorbo, architect, PhD and formerly an official at the Superintendency for Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape for the provinces of Verona, Rovigo, and Vicenza, is currently an Associate Professor of Architectural Restoration at Iuav University of Venice. His research focuses on the forms and techniques of conservation and restoration of ruins and abandoned sites, with particular attention to post-war reconstruction and restoration in the Vesuvian archaeological area.
Anna Veronese, architect and PhD, is currently a postdoctoral researcher at Iuav University of Venice. Her research activities focus on two main areas: residential architecture in Rome during the post-World War II period and the enhancement of heritage at both territorial and architectural scales.
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Thursday 26th June, 2025