Architectural Engineering for Rehabilitation of Historical Architecture. A Tool for Safeguard and Revitalization of Palermo's Historical Center

Abstract

The contemporary rehabilitation of historical buildings, characterized by a high monumental value, with particular reference to those in the historical center of an urban area, represents a significant instrument for urban renewal, revitalization, and economic development of an entire city. Within the framework of such interventions, this paper examines an ongoing building restoration project in the historical center of Palermo, aimed at highlighting the pivotal role of knowledge in the design of these interventions. More particularly, the considered restoration site is fully described in its technical and operational aspects, strictly linked to the discipline of the technical architect, to show the higher scientific value that knowledge acquires while transposing research into a concrete engineering/architectural action that could be reproduced in similar cases. The objective of the described site is preserving and enhancing the building while adhering to the materials and construction techniques characteristic of the local architecture. The comprehensive examination of this structure, grounded in the principles of applied research on rehabilitation interventions, in compliance with historical architectural norms and technical regulations, is not merely focused on the original intervention but is contextualized within a broader vision of rehabilitation. This vision, albeit perhaps progressing at a slow pace, is crucial for the growth of the entire city, fostering continuous engagement and repopulation by the residents of Palermo and beyond. The historical center, once neglected for many years, now represents an urban space housing an artistic and cultural heritage of significant international importance, with substantial growth potential for the entire metropolitan area.