Valorization of the industrial heritage in Italy on the example of sugar factories in Emilia-Romagna

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present the experiences that Italy has had in the domain of preservation and valorisation of the industrial heritage. By the means of the historiographical approach, the development of the concept of this patrimony will be explained, starting from United Kingdom, which was a pioneer, through France to conclude with Italy. The concept of the industrial heritage was gradually developed and it was followed with a foundation of various institutions, which expanded their activities from a cataloguing of remains of the industrial past to an active participation in revitalisation projects. Connected to this evolution is the development of the industrial archaeology as a scientific discipline which offered some instruments in the valorisation of the industrial patrimony. Some misconceptions and errors about this heritage have been put to light, and the role of the architect in this process has been explained. The analysed cases were chosen from the region of Emilia-Romagna because it was the centre of the Italian sugar production and, consequently, possesses a big quantity of material remains. Different experiences and scenarios, elaborated by private and public sector will be presented, also with some aspects of the heritage valorised with more or less success.

Keywords

• industrial heritage
• industrial archaeology
• valorisation
• sugar
• experience