Uso disuso riuso

Reuse is a common practice in architecture, and the history of architectures often coincides with the evolution of new uses or functional adaptations. This paper discusses the reuse of built heritage in relation to fortifications, which are the most exposed architectures to the issue of functionality. In addition to the technical difficulties which are typical of any reuse project, the main challenge lies in identifying a credible and effective reuse for defence buildings and sites. This is because they are almost completely alienated from the contemporary world. This discourse presents the perspective of experts in restoration, architectural design, and heritage protection, and is organized around the following binomials: new uses/new modes of use; protecting/designing; enrichment/loss; separation/ appropriation; possession/tenancy; prevarication/ safeguarding.