Survey on Cultural Heritage Adaptive Reuse practice

Project description
Project Id 3718
Project Name Le Scalze, Italy
Description The historical complex of San Giuseppe delle Scalze has a manifold history: it was originally a noble palace built in the second half of the sixteenth century, then became a cloistered convent and by means of architectural works, in the seventeenth century, a section of the building was opened to the public and turned into a church. After the Unification of Italy, some parts of the convent and the gardens were converted into a state school, while the church remained in function until 1980, when, as a result of a violent earthquake and its severe ensuing damages, it was closed and abandoned. In the 1990s’, static consolidation works were undertaken, though the restoration of the surfaces has never been accomplished. In 2008, some areas surrounding the church, owned by the City Council, were entrusted to the management of joint group of associations (Le Scalze).
Description of the economic, social and environmental impacts of the project Le Scalze is a partnership among different associations that work to enhance the historical complex and the neighbourhood, cooperating with diverse cultural groups and institutions. The activities are not engaged in for profit, and voluntary contributions are used for the maintenance of the place. Regularly, Le Scalze organizes cultural activities (guided visits, exhibitions of the local designers and contemporary artists, artistic events) and educational activities. In particular, from 2012, it has been running a project called "Salzabanda", which promotes social inclusion and equal opportunities for teenagers and emarginated minorities (e.g. the immigrants). The participants have the chance to take free music class and are involved in workshops, artistic performances, and live concerts. These activities contribute to improve their self-esteem, reduce inequalities and promote civil and social values. The building hosts a rehearsal studio also opened to professionals.
Web links https://lescalze.org/
Country Italy
City size Metropolis (between 1 and 10 million people)
Characteristics of the cultural heritage building/site/landscapes
Construction period 2-Renaissance
Adaptive reuse period 2005-2010
State of conservation Medium conservation
Vacancy before Vacant
Vacancy after Permanently used
Cultural significance Municipal heritage|
Typologies Residential|Religious|
Governance, management and financing
Ownership before Public
Ownership after Public
Management structure Payment of rent for the use|
Managing body Private non-profit|
Funding full answer Public funding (Municipal)|Private donations (e.g. company, tax credit donations)|
Barriers and bottlenecks Economic – financial|Regulatory (e.g. heritage regulations / authorities)|Administrative|Physical (e.g. accessibility, morphology, structure)|
total investment 100.000 – 500.000 €
Uses / functions
Residential no
Cohousing no
Hotel accommodation no
BnbHostel accommodation no
Commercial units no
Wellness centres no
Restaurant no
Cafe no
Public library no
Gardens no
Education yes
Museum exhibition yes
Research yes
Cultural events yes
Theatre yes
Conferences yes
Social uses yes
Community Hubs yes
Incubator no
Cultural and Creative Industries hub no
Innovative startups hub no
Circular economy enterprises hub no
Coworking spaces no
Workshop spaces yes
Living Lab no
Fab Lab no
Creative Hub yes
Artist residencies no
Materials bank no
Repair Cafe no
Bike sharing place no
Sports facilities no
Other uses yes