Inhabit according to nature. Two paradigms of Southern Italy rural architecture for biocompatible design

The contribute aims to verify whether and how two "self-sufficient" settlements models, characteristic of the rural architecture of Southern Italy, and long obsolete, can offer cause for reflection and stimulation for a return to settlement forms more integrated with natural habitats. The first of the two models is the stazzo, a temporary settlement, typical of transhumance, equipped with all the necessary components for permanence in an isolated place and closely connected to the presence of natural elements (woods, pastures, watercourses). The second model is the masseria, in which there is the presence of spaces intended for different functions typical of urban settlements but circumscribed in a delimited, isolated space, completely immersed in a natural context. Both models are, as already mentioned, "self-sufficient" as they provide for the possibility of individuals staying within them for a relatively long period and do not need ancillary settlement structures; at the same time, however, they are completely dependent on the natural elements that surround them and guarantee their survival. The analysis we propose proceeds from the survey of many stazzi and masserie; starting from the surveys, we proceeded with the study and graphic analysis of the ways in which the space is used. The latter make it possible to relate the natural elements with the built ones and define settlement paradigms – reproducible through graphs – that can offer ideas for an eco-sustainable design in which nature and its elements can return to being key elements of the project. The stazzo is a space intended for resting, a settlement linked to the practice of pastoralism, inside which the flocks are stationed and protected during the night. The internal organization provides for the presence of structures delegated to different functions such as the shepherd's shelter, production activities, agricultural processing, animal shelter, etc., located in one or more enclosures. Localized according to simple but precise rules, which consider climatic conditions, needs related to animal and human welfare, such as the presence of water sources and areas favourable to grazing, the stazzo is frequented seasonally. The structures inside are of minimal size, built with materials found on site, such as stone, wood, earth and branches, elements always placed starting from considerations on the natural conformation of the chosen site and relating to the morphology of the soil, the presence of large boulders and any existing structures. The masseria consists of a system of several rustic buildings, closely related, intended for the management of the land annexed to them, the processing of agricultural products, the storage of foodstuffs, the shelter of livestock and the residence of those who work there. The term masseria has a plurality of meanings and indicates different types of aggregations. Both types of settlements described – the stazzo and the masseria – are integrated into nature and characterize, respectively, the agricultural and the mountain landscape. These are two production systems for which, with elements of proximity and detachment, a conceptual and functional continuity can be indicated, which suggests an in-depth study specifically linked to the positive effects on contemporary design and use. The case studies were investigated, following preliminary inspections, through the execution of surveys, designed and carried out according to the peculiar characteristics of the sites. The surveys were executed by use of laser scanner, terrestrial and aerial photogrammetry with UAVs. The graphic drawings produced allowed the realization of morphological-functional analyses, comparing the identified settlement paradigms with existing and specially developed design examples. The socio-economic changes that took place during the second half of the twentieth century brought with them a series of transformations that affected the relationship between man, home and the environment. The transition to increasingly complex models of life has marked the abandonment of this type of architecture, which, in addition to being able to represent new paradigms for sustainable design, are constituted as elements to be included in integrated nature trails.

L’articolo si propone di verificare se e come due modelli abitativi “autosufficienti”, caratteristici dell’architettura rurale del Mezzogiorno d’Italia e da tempo desueti, possano offrire spunti di riflessione e di stimolo per un ritorno a forme insediative più integrate con gli habitat naturali. Il primo dei due modelli è lo stazzo, insediamento temporaneo tipico della transumanza, provvisto di tutti gli elementi necessari alla permanenza in un luogo isolato e strettamente connesso alla presenza di elementi naturali (bosco, pascolo, corsi d’acqua). Il secondo modello è la masseria, in cui si verifica la presenza di spazi destinati a diverse funzioni tipiche degli insediamenti urbani ma circoscritte in uno spazio delimitato, isolato e completamente immerso in un contesto naturale. Entrambi i due modelli sono, come già detto, “autosufficienti” in quanto prevedono la possibilità di una permanenza al loro interno per un periodo relativamente lungo e non hanno bisogno di strutture accessorie; al tempo stesso, però, sono in tutto dipendenti dagli elementi naturali che li circondano e che ne garantiscono la sopravvivenza. L’analisi che proponiamo procede dal rilievo di un numero cospicuo di stazzi e masserie; dai rilievi si è proceduto con lo studio e l’analisi grafica delle modalità di fruizione dello spazio. Queste ultime permettono di mettere in relazione gli elementi naturali con quelli costruiti e definiscono dei paradigmi insediativi che possono offrire spunti per una progettazione ecosostenibile in cui la natura e i suoi elementi possano tornare ad essere elementi cardini della progettazione.