Title

Author(s)

Benedetta Marradi, Sara Benvenuto, Francesco Parri

Affiliation

University of Pisa – iBi studio

Comune di Pietrasanta

DOI

https://doi.org/10.65686/TPZZ4288

Keywords

Architectural Design, Affordances, Typology, Adaptive Reuse

PP

615-622

How to Cite

Marradi, Benedetta, Francesco Parri, Sara Benvenuto. “The Sant’Agostino Complex in Pietrasanta Adaptive and integrated strategies for sustainable reuse.” In Proceedings of the International Conference on Adaptive Reuse. Volume 1, edited by Andrea Crudeli, Francesca Molle, and Emanuele Carrai, 615–622. Firenze: STH Press, 2026.

Abstract

The adaptive reuse of the Sant’Agostino complex in Pietrasanta represents a virtuous example of how historical and architectural heritage can be regenerated in a contemporary way, placing universal and multisensory accessibility at the center of cultural welfare and social inclusion. Situated within the urban fabric of Pietrasanta, an increasingly recognized hub for international artists and an open-air museum, the project enhances the site’s identity while responding to the growing demand for inclusive cultural spaces. Currently hosting the Civic Library, the Museo dei Bozzetti, conference rooms, and municipal offices, the complex is reimagined as a multifunctional cultural center open to the community. The intervention focuses particularly on the cloister, transforming this former monastic space into a fully accessible and immersive environment that preserves its historical value while extending usability to all users, including people with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities. The design strategy includes coordinated interventions aimed at overcoming architectural and sensory barriers, while respecting the historical and monumental context. Solutions include tactile pathways, gently sloping ramps, and elevators integrated harmoniously into the existing architecture. These are complemented by multisensory signage systems combining visual, auditory, and tactile elements to ensure intuitive and independent navigation.
The project adopts a multidisciplinary approach involving architects, accessibility experts, art historians, and technologists to guarantee an inclusive design process. Advanced digital technologies further enhance the experience, enabling new forms of interaction with the space and improving both physical and digital accessibility. Overall, the project seeks to make the Sant’Agostino complex fully accessible, transforming it into a cultural landmark at local and regional levels, in line with Tuscany’s heritage enhancement policies. The cloister thus becomes a place where historical memory and contemporary innovation coexist, and where architecture promotes equity, cultural enrichment, and community engagement.

Edited by
Andrea Crudeli
Francesca Molle
Emanuele Carrai

Publisher
STH Press, Firenze

ISBN Paperback – 9791281661141
ISBN Ebook – 9791281661158
DOI – https://doi.org/10.65686/SISY7263

Year
2026

Proceedings of
International Conference on Adaptive Reuse
hosted by The University of Pisa, Italy
15-19 September 2025, at the Gispoteca di Arte Antica dell’Università di Pisa.