Sostenibilità e restauro; il centro storico e il castello baronale di Acerra

This paper addresses the relationship between architectural and environmental sustainability, economic management and socio-cultural aspects with the most current criteria in restoration, through the analysis of the case-study of the historic center and the castle of Acerra (Naples). The building appears as a layered palimpsest of evidences from different centuries, progressively used for different scopes. A competition launched in 2010 was - for the selected designers – the opportunity to redefine the outdoor spaces, improve the connection with the Castle and integrate its functions, by increasing the role of urban hub, creating a fluid space and interconnected. The layout of the attics was developed by choosing a function that is compatible with the quality and the connection of urban spaces, and by integrating its needs with historical and architectural values. The approach aims at maximizing permanencies, using compatibility between history and new technologies, minimal intervention, reversibility and attention to the figurative identity of the addition, by ensuring the sustainability of the intervention. The project meets the respect of compatibility and potential reversibility by implementing the functions of the public building, by relating it to the territory, in view of a planned maintenance and management awareness, and by choosing energy efficient and low impact materials and technologies. “Sustainability” means the attitude used in the whole process, in order to enhance, improve and implement the features. In the proposed case-study, the design, mediated by diagnostic tests, proposes solutions, technologies and materials compatible with the old building and sustainable throughout its "life cycle". In a process of flexible improvement the design of the "new" uses a widespread technology. The proposed contribution wants to shows the methodology of a sustainable process in restoration, among conservation and innovation, increases the historical and artistic values and the use of the heritage; it analyzes limits and possibilities of adopting eco-friendly materials, high technology, integrated high-efficiency systems, while minimizing its impact.