Earthquakes debris of cultural interest: the Italian methodology for their management, selection and reuse (Part a. Regulatory provisions and operational indications)

Suddenly losing an asset of cultural interest is always unacceptable, whether caused by a natural hazard (earthquakes, floods, landslides, eruptions, etc.) or by human actions (theft, vandalism, terrorist acts, war scenarios, etc.). The emotional impact is not only at a national or international level (if architectural or artistic masterpieces are involved) but also on the local communities due to the historical memory and the strong identity value that some assets represent for a specific territory.

After the collapse of the bell tower in St. Mark’s Square in Venice on 14 July 1902, there was a heated debate in Italy about its reconstruction. Experts and public opinion were divided between more conservative positions according to the motto "where it was and how it was" and the use of modern forms and structures. Over the years, the debate has been extended to every further event damaging the Italian cultural heritage, from the bombings during the Second World War to the devastating seismic events of recent years. Consequently, the debate on the recovery and possible reuse of what materially remains of the cultural heritage destroyed, the so-called "debris of cultural interest" has also developed.
This debate (1) led to a specific methodology defined in detail after the devastating Central Italy earthquake in 2016.
KEYWORDS: earthquakes, debris management, selection and reuse, regulatory frameworks. In PROCULTHER-NET 2 Project. Technical Bulletin N. 3, July 2024, pp 72-82.

(1) This paper is completed by some practical examples: “Earthquake debris of cultural interest: the Italian methodology for their management, selection and reuse (Part b. Some examples after the Central Italy earthquake of 2016)” In PROCULTHER-NET 2 Project. Technical Bulletin N. 4, December 2024, pp 44 – 56.