Cultural Influences and Design Strategies for the Integrated Development of Inland Historical Villages and Contemporary Coastal Settlements: The Case Study of Osidda and Porto Rotondo in Sardinia (Italy)

One of the most pressing problems affecting small inland villages in Sardinia is depopulation, mainly due to the progressive emigration of younger generations. At the same time, the island’s coastal settlements are increasingly becoming a destination for luxury foreign tourism, with an increasingly large number of holidaymakers. In this context, the University of Cagliari launched in 2021 the project ‘Historical Villages and Cultural Influences in Contemporary Architecture of the Coastal Tourist Settlements in Sardinia’. The project aims to investigate the relationship between the cultural roots of the historic villages in northern Sardinia and the new coastal settlements, with particular attention to the constructive and decorative use of granite. In this context, the research programme has identified the pilot case studies of the authentic historic centre of Osidda and the authored village of Porto Rotondo, designed by several well-known Italian architects of the second half of the twentieth century. Investigations and academic laboratories were conducted to provide a scientific, transdisciplinary contribution to the cultural enhancement of the two territorial contexts and promote shared strategies for sustainable development. Osidda’s urban framework was thoroughly analysed, with geographical, historical and architectural data organised into a structured geo-database, highlighting its distinctive identity features and structural vulnerabilities. Porto Rotondo village was investigated to identify the artistic values inherent in its architectural complexes and urban public spaces, highlighting its vulnerabilities caused by tourism pressure and speculative development. This background of knowledge informed the INCANTO project, which outlines a strategy for sustainable public and private actions to revitalise Osidda village and increase its attractiveness. It primarily focuses on two aspects: inclusivity and high living standards, alongside the enhancement of cultural and artistic connections within the unique Porto Rotondo community. Additionally, the research suggested the need for a higher level of protection for Porto Rotondo’s former settlement to halt the real estate growth, which is progressively erasing the architectural and landscaping features intended by the founders. This study offers an interdisciplinary model that could serve as a protocol for similar contexts.