The Architectonic-Environmental Requalification of the Historical Centre: Recovery and Resignification of the “Sassi of Matera”

The Sassi of Matera are located on a steep stone hill, where groups of houses sit parallel to the ground, overlapping, in concentric circles. They make up an enormous architectural heritage that has been habited till 1952 in prehistoric conditions, lacking basic habitability and urban planning services adapted to the modern life of that time. For 40 years, traditional restoration, and conservation techniques have been studied to guarantee the adequate recovery of the place. Through the presentation of two case studies, we aim to address the particular problems of each case and propose concrete solutions. Matera offers us a journey through the oldest history of humanity and its traditions: its adequate architectural reclassification can serve as a model in the future for the conservation of urban ecosystems achieved thanks to the correct use of water resources, the sun and the stone available at the time.