Transitional Architectures. A Response to Contemporary Needs in Rural Areas of Sardinia

Transitional architecture emerges as a derivation of the concept of temporary buildings and as a concretization of the phenomenon of transitory urbanism born in France. Temporary architectures, such as tents and capsules for emergencies, resolve momentary criticalities without lasting impacts on the context. However, transitory urbanism creates a qualitative link between past, present, and future uses of a site, differentiating itself from temporary occupation without long-term influence. Transitory urbanism, practiced in France for over a decade, involves the temporary occupation of spaces awaiting definitive use, often as a prelude to permanent interventions. Translating this concept to the architectural object, transitory architectures are defined as provisional devices that modify or reclaim a space, with short, medium, or long-term impacts on the place or social fabric in which they are situated. These architectures, like pioneer species, prepare the ground for more stable future uses, creating new places for meeting and culture. In particular, the idea of architecture emerges as a response to the contemporary needs of rural areas in Sardinia, illustrated with two case studies applied to this territory. The design principles include expandability, essentiality, reproducibility, divisibility, appropriateness, and self-sufficiency, ensuring flexibility, sustainability, and efficiency. Transitory architecture, therefore, not only responds to immediate needs but also generates a positive impact in the transformation of urban and rural landscapes.