Vulnérabilité sismique et inégalités socio-spatiales

Abstract

Urban seismic vulnerability depends on several factors; this paper aims to demonstrate that a limited approach of vulnerability is at the origin of social and spatial inequality. Indeed, as the will to preserve the architectural heritage of urban historic centres leads to a new definition of the values given to the various buildings and urban areas, it entails specific risk management policies, favouring central areas at the expense of peripheral, poorer and more vulnerable areas. Thus, the conservation of architectural heritage leads to increasing territorial, social, and economic disparities, and to unequal seismic vulnerability management. These dynamics are analysed through the examples of two small Italian towns, Noto and Assisi. The contrasts of seismic risk management in Noto’s various urban areas lead to increasing social, spatial and economic inequality, whereas in Assisi, recent evolutions in urban policies are meant to counterbalance this trend.

Keywords

• architectural heritage
• inequality
• Italy
• seismic risk
• urban management
• vulnerability