A Methodology for Historic Villages Preservation. The Case Study of San Giovanni Lipioni

The preservation of the built heritage in historic villages is often connected with the progressive abandonment by their inhabitants because of the lack of services and facilities. In the last decades, inner areas all around Europe have been facing that problem. It is, therefore, essential to elaborate and develop targeted strategies aimed at the conservation of the buildings' typical characteristics, integrated with sustainable reuse practices. Restoration Manuals are valuable support as they are intended to convey intervention practices respecting the existing typical features and, at the same time, cultural-artistic traditions, parts of the intangible heritage. This research aims to define a strategy for valorising the village of San Giovanni Lipioni (Italy). It addresses the existing building stock mainly located in the historic centre and the surrounding rural territory. The methodology envisages the following phases: (i) on-site surveys and data collection about 51 building units, (ii) databases' structuring and organising using specific datasheets, (iii) identification of recurring and significant characteristics or building elements that need to be preserved, and (iv) proposal of some interventions for improving structural safety and energy efficiency. Finally, drafting the Restoration Manual for the village of San Giovanni Lipioni allows for collecting and organising the insights from the previous phases and providing a tool that public administrations, professionals and other actors involved in the preservation process can use.