Per il restauro del centro storico dell'Aquila

FOR THE RESTORATION OF THE HISTORIC CENTRE OF L'AQUILA Six months on from the earthquake of 6th April, the first operational guidelines are taking shape for the work to restore and reconstruct the historical centre of L'Aquila (168 hectares). Attention is focused principally on "who", "when" and "how long" rathen than "how", in attempt to replicate, also within the historic centre, the fragmentation method already experimented on the outskirts of the city. Much has been made of the need for safeguarding and conservation, seemingly to the detriment of the question of merit based on sound theoretical and methodological considerations, a necessary overall strategic approach and adequate knowledge of the historical heritage constructed and its values (typological, formal, constructive, figurative ands related to the urban context). The history of the rebuilding of the city following the 1703 earthquake, althought it cannot be applied directly to the present-day situation, does compel contemporary architectural culture to assume responsibility for a complex operation, one of vital importance for the fate of an entire city, which is unprecedented in western post-war history.