Material evidences and memorial values in coastal ruins in urban landscapes. Sardinian and Scottish case studies

Donatella Rita Fiorino;Silvana Maria Grillo;Elisa Pilia

2019-01-01

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Abstract

The present study is part of a wider research developed at the international scale that investigates ruins as material witnesses in stratified historical palimpsests in terms of meanings, values, and opportunity. In details, the in-depth thematic analysis here illustrated specifically focuses on urban ruins in coastal cities and on the complex relationships with their cultural landscape. Ruined structures are frequently misunderstood places. This situation has been experimented in both Sardinian and Scottish coastal towns and villages. In fact, although physically far, Sardinia and Scotland are, in these terms, very similar not only for their old geomorphology but also for their windy and irregular seaside characterised by a high presence of ruined structures which define singular coastal landscape. From this premise, the present study carries out a comparative study between these two territories, with the development of specific guidelines for the conservation of the particular category of ruined architectures represented by wartime ruins in Cagliari. A key factor of the investigating approach is the archaeological analysis, in terms of stratigraphic understanding of materials and constructive techniques that represent unique witnesses of interaction between nature and craftsman skills and abilities as well as symbol of identity and authenticity of the historical urban landscape. According to this point, the principal outcome of the research is the proposal of an integrated tool for ruined heritage’s preservation as part of a multidisciplinary strategic plan for the enhancement of their historical memorial values and the monitoring of its urban sustainable transformation.