Title

Author(s)

Giuseppina Bosso

Affiliation

University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”

DOI

https://doi.org/10.65686/HLHL5052

Keywords

Installations, Definitive, Reversible

PP

181-188

How to Cite

Bosso, Giuseppina. “From “Definitive” to “Reversible” Architecture.” In Proceedings of the International Conference on Adaptive Reuse. Volume 1, edited by Andrea Crudeli, Francesca Molle, and Emanuele Carrai, 181-188. Firenze: STH Press, 2026.

Abstract

How is a project born in relation to the built?
This seemingly simple question implies complex answers and not always completely exhaustive for that very often you must train the mind to new types of approaches to make the “answer” innovative, and be able to address all the issues, social, formal and environmental aspects more easily, especially in relation to the existing building. The type of modality I propose is that of intervention on the existing through installations, which, by their nature, are modular, removable and easily recyclable and overlap the already made, reducing waste and respecting the pre-existing structures. This approach can be divided into two categories: “definitive” and “reversible” interventions. Among the first is the restoration of Liliana Grassi in the courtyard of the icehouse of the Ospedale Maggiore in Milan, where the new intervention is clearly distinguished from the pre-existing one. Or the intervention of Carlo Scarpa at the Castelvecchio Museum where the architect restores the entire factory and designs the exhibition apparatus harmoniously integrating it with the context, through a deep study of pre-existence. Another significant work is that of Ezio De Felice at the Archaeological Museum of Salerno, composed of a steel structure that supports the ancient architectural system, transforming it into an exhibition object. Integration tends to create an innovative and modern space while preserving purely historical elements. As for “reversible” interventions, we can mention the projects of Franco Albini, such as the exhibition of Italian Contemporary Art in Stockholm (1953) or the Montecatini stand with Franca Helg (1961). In these cases, the use of lightweight and removable frames allows a temporary interaction and thus respecting with the built space. Adaptation and reversibility make it possible to regenerate the degraded built with limited resources, returning a new function, even if temporary. This approach makes it possible to design in an agile, sustainable and context-sensitive way, offering formal and environmental solutions in continuous evolution.

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.