Buone pratiche di riconversione e riuso degli aeroporti militari storici: un confronto internazionale

BEST PRACTICE OF RECONVERSION AND REUSE OF HISTORICAL MILITARY AIRPORTS: AN INTERNA TIONAL OVERVIEW The reconversion of historical airport infrastructures is part of the broader international issue on the reuse and enhancement of military assets, underused or dismantled as a consequence of the changes in the political and administrative strategies. A heterogeneous scenario emerges from the census of different adaptive reuses in Italy and abroad, representing different approaches adopted in the international context on these special purpose architectures. Against a still limited number of protected sites, many interesting examples of reconversions can be found in Italy; high degrees of protection and best practices arise from the Anglo Saxon and German experiences; innovative approaches come from the American projects. The research shows the relevance of an accurate knowledge of the heritage in the definition of new uses. Tangible and intangible values can guide towards sustainable solutions, respectful of the material authenticity and the historical identity of places. For this reason, the scientific research can drive future choices through preliminary 'exploratory projects' capable of investigating potenti al and limits of the various possible strategies. The protocols tested in the case of airport infrastructures also represent an important methodological contribution for the management of large real estate complexes.