The spatial articulation of the Valley d’Itria pignon buildings, a UNESCO-protected architectural asset

In the panorama of architectural typologies, it is rare that a particular construction technique, which identifies a well-defined, unique and characterising typology of an area, is placed under the aegis of UNESCO for its protection and preservation. This paper, in proximitỳ of the 30th anniversary of the annexation of the Alberobello trulli among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, intends to investigate this particular architectural speech, in order to better explain its roots and its future evolution. The study conducted on building types and techniques, investigates some characteristic cases of these particular architectures, carrying out an analysis of the dry-stone construction technique with which these factories are built. These constructions, in fact, are presented as wonders of statics, being realised without the support of scientific calculation but only with the experience of the mastri trullai who, handing down their knowledge orally, make it possible to create the typical cone-shaped roofs that define these characteristic architectural volumes. The adoption of this particular architectural language, expressed by peasants and shepherds, has contributed to characterise a large number of territorial areas, creating a widespread architectural speech from Gargano to Salento. The goal of the paper allow for reflection on the future of this architectural typology, which UNESCO, sensitive to the evidence produced by cultures of the past, has recognised its importance by declaring it a World Heritage Site.