IVREA: A GREAT INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE TO BE PROTECTED AND PROMOTED

摘要

In this third millennium, is it possible to combine the actions, and frequent constraints, needed to protect the priceless Italian cultural heritage with a promotion plan that takes the local social and economic development into account? Establishing a fitting ratio of preservation and asset promotion that redesigns it as a living part of the city can and must be a potential and good response but it requires capability and iron will on the part of politicians and contemporary architecture/urban-planning professionals. Unfortunately, there is a tendency to "mummify" historical monuments and "exploit" them for monetary gain and/or reduce them to tourist attractions. Often, we see "archaeology parks" and "theme routes" that are completely separate from and not integrated into the urban structure and its surrounding area. An opportunity to reflect on this crucial topic comes with the passage of "Ivrea Industrial City of the 20th Century" to the final phase1 of the nomination process for the UNESCO World Heritage List, launched at the initiative of the Adriano Olivetti Foundation and backed by the City of Ivrea. Extending over some 70,000 hectares, the nominated area2 is located in the southwest sector of Ivrea, along the Via Jervis street axis. The nomination file lists 27 pieces of architecture, comprising the Olivetti industrial complex and buildings that provided services and homes to the industry's blue-and white-collar workers. Many of these constructions were designed and built by the foremost Italian architects of the time3. The nomination file highlights the site's special configuration and although the complex presents the typical features of both the company town and the industrial systems usually found in urban agglomerations, it is part of the urban fabric.