A look on the intrinsic sustainability of Aeolian vernacular architecture

The vernacular architecture of the Aeolian Islands can be seen as the result of a stratification of empirical knowledge, linked to socio-economic, cultural, and environmental needs of local communities. This homogeneous and specific heritage is characterised by a constructive code which is the direct expression of the necessities dictated by the geo-morphological context, the environmental conditions and the availability of local resources. These constraints have strongly influenced the local “modus aedificandi”, characterised by an intrinsic sustainability. In particular, adaptation to local orography and climate, and to main wind directions, has promoted the adoption of several bioclimatic strategies (as the use of massive walls and roofs, cross ventilation and shading systems provided by verandas/porches) and of resources reuse (like rainwater collection). The smart use of traditional and locally available natural building materials for the realisation of the main constructive elements is another manifestation of this heritage sustainability. But the arrival of "modernity" (closely linked to industrialisation) has often compromised these aspects, neglecting the concept of continuous maintenance, choosing new, synthetic and (quite often) not compatible materials for recovery interventions, repurposing spaces and substituting and/or altering original uses.This contribution highlights the sustainability of Aeolian architecture and the traditional technical solutions used in this peculiar archipelago composed by volcanic islands. It also reports some "bad practices" introduced in the 60s and 70s to refurbish traditional buildings. Finally,a programmatic and more conscious approach to the recovery of Aeolian architecture, by the use of more compatible and sustainable interventions, is proposed. This choice is fundamental to respect the memory of vernacular heritage in general and, in particular, of Aeolian one, included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list since 2000.