Digital, architectural modules in sustainable, lightweight materials. Design of mountain huts for Etna volcano

Natural sites are a strategic resource for society and the environment, therefore they must be adequately preserved and enhanced. Easily assembled, sustainable and low- cost architectural artifacts can meet the traditional needs of society in different areas, such as responding to the needs of visitors in landscape sites. Recently, mountain refuges represent the result of innovative and sustainable technical construction solutions, with a careful eye on the relationship of the building with the surrounding environment. To achieve this goal, it could be useful to plan a series of intensive training activities aimed at university students in the field of Architecture, Engineering, Construction (AEC). Recently, a research group formed at the Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture of the University of Catania has started this type of action. All the events have taken as an open-air laboratory several sites of notable naturalistic interest. In this case, Etna volcano was chosen for its unique naturalistic and cultural value, as well as addressing the issue of the information and reception function with low environmental impact. In the document that will be presented, the authors develop a description of the mentioned activities and share some considerations on this topic, based on the experiences acquired