Da Origem da Cidade de Áquila ao Sismo de 2009. Uma Proposta de Reabilitação

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to develop a methodology of intervention on the historical centers and the historical buildings of the living citys of today, using, as an object of study, the particular case of the city of L'Aquila in Italy. This work is organized in three main stages: first, the study and analysis of the theories and international instruments directed to the safeguard the historical buildings and historical centers; second, the analysis of the evolution and transformation of the city of L'Aquila since it was founded until the present day, particularly regarding the changes in the urban form and the evolution of architectural types; finally, a proposal for the rehabilitation of the historical center of L'Aquila and a methodology of intervention in the historical tradicional buildings. The city of L'Aquila, as we know it today, was founded in the XIII century, and during its process of evolution and transformation has undergone several reconstructions derived from seismic disasters, including, most importantly, the 1703 earthquake that devastated the entire historical center and, more recently, the earthquake of 6 April of 2009, that left the city, until this date, partially ruined. As an example of an harmonious process of transformation, the interest of this case study for our research is related mainly with the historical and testimonial value of this historic center, which conserves its urban form intact since its foundation until today, changing its architectural expression, on each reconstruction, in order to follow the changes on the cultural, social and figurative values. In sum, the methodology that we propose, both in the urban and the architectural level, intends to reflect not only the principles and theories internationally accepted, but also the peculiarities that marked the evolution and growth of this historical center. Therefore, the proposals we defend, despite their methodological value, are thought to respond to the specific problems and needs of this urban context and, above all, create new strategies to return L'Aquila to its population.