Dry stone architecture: the survey as a tool to safeguard the risk of morphological or formal homologation

There are unique and varied examples of dry stone constructions in the Mediterranean region, whose interest, in Puglia (Italy) and attested in recent decades, has determined a speculative attitude that has made possible for these vernacular architectures to gain considerable economic value. Consequently, in addition to the actions supported by municipal regulations and both local and regional planning instruments, it is necessary to identify their cultural value and their peculiarities, all of them required for implementing conscious policies for a correct protection and preservation. We particularly aim to focus on the survey of these architectures within this contribution, a neglected subject of certain complexity, in order to propose a series of reflections that support the activity of those who intend to intervene on these artifacts. In fact, their plastic component and morphological uniqueness allow them to blend with sculptures that require the usage of modern and refined methodologies and technologies for their documentation. Thus, the lack of recognition on features and peculiarities has resulted in actions regarding their restoration with a general formal homologation and the loss of the original morphological singularity during interventions for their conservation.