International Measurement Confederation (IMEKO)

The revitalization of long-disused sites with a focus on production activities is a critical endeavor for the preservation and integration of such sites into the urban fabric, a challenge that Italy also faces. Buildings once deemed “modern” are now key markers of local historical and economic evolution, yet the process of their revitalization demands both careful study and practical solutions. Any effort to adapt these structures must balance conservation with modern functionality, ultimately hinging on the broader theme of restoration and reuse. The Tabarca Building in Genoa serves as a paradigmatic case in point, given its profound cultural significance for both the city and the nation. It was the inaugural facility in Italy to incorporate refrigeration technology for the preservation of goods, a groundbreaking innovation in the early 20th century that profoundly reshaped global commerce and gave rise to new architectural forms. Despite its notable legacy, the full potential of the Tabarca Building remains largely underappreciated. This paper demonstrates that restoration and repurposing work on this historic warehouse highlights the importance of forward-looking interventions, ensuring heritage buildings remain both relevant and respectful of their unique characteristics and surrounding context.

International Measurement Confederation (IMEKO)

International Measurement Confederation (IMEKO)

The Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena in Catania, a UNESCO World Heritage site, embodies a complex architectural and historical stratigraphy, reflecting successive construction phases, functional changes, and the impact of catastrophic events, including the 1669 lava flow and the 1693 earthquake. As part of the CHANGES project, this study combines historical–archaeological research with non-invasive in situ scientific analyses to investigate the materials and the conservation state of the monumental complex. Stratigraphic analysis identified multiple masonry and plaster units, allowing the reconstruction of five main construction phases and related functional changes. Portable X-ray Fluorescence (pXRF), Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFT), and handheld optical microscopy provided rapid insights into the chemical and mineralogical composition of plasters and mortars, highlighting lime-based binders with variable aggregate, including volcanic clasts, sand, and cocciopesto. In situ diagnostic analyses allowed us to distinguish pre- and post-earthquake materials, while historical data contextualized construction phases and functional transformations. The integration of archaeological and scientific approaches proved to be complementary: historical evidence guides the selection of analytical targets, while diagnostic results enrich and validate the interpretation of the building’s evolution. This interdisciplinary methodology establishes a robust framework for the understanding and valorization of complex cultural heritage sites.