VALUTAZIONE DELL’IMPATTO DELLE DESTINAZIONI D’USO NEL TEMPO PER IL PALAZZO DUCALE D’AYALA VALVA DI CAROSINO (TA): CRITICITÀ STRUTTURALI E STRATEGIE DI VALORIZZAZIONE INTEGRATA: - Il palazzo ed il suo giardino; Il ruolo del recupero del palazzo ducale D’Ayala Valva nell’ambito del territorio cui appartiene; Conclusioni.

The Ducal Palace D’Ayala Valva in Carosino (TA), a key identity landmark of the historic center, represents a case study for assessing the long-term impact of functional uses on the protection and enhancement of architectural heritage. During the 20th century, the building underwent partial restoration and consolidation works which, while improving accessibility, compromised the structural and functional unity of the complex. An ex-post analysis carried out by the Polytechnic University of Bari highlighted the effects, after approximately twenty years of foundation strengthening applied exclusively to one side of the palace. This intervention caused structural stiffening and heterogeneous behavior, leading to differential settlements that destabilised the opposite wing, now affected by severe damage and partial collapses. At the same time, the assessment of current uses revealed limited spatial and managerial flexibility: a poorly frequented rural culture museum at the ground floor, occasional use of the first floor for events, and restored but unused spaces on the second floor. The palace therefore appears only partially conserved and not fully activated, where material protection has not resulted in effective valorization through use. An ex-ante evaluation developed within a new restoration project uses these critical issues to guide strategies aimed at structural re-composition, compatible consolidation and functional diversification, including public, cultural, and productive uses. The case study demonstrates how long-term evaluation of use impacts is essential for active conservation policies integrating preservation, structural resilience, and sustainable management.