Restoration of the former Municipal Slaughterhouse in Villa Isabella, Ribera. | Calogero M Soldano

"Living the City" through urban planning and "Preserving its historical and artistic heritage" through restoration are the two foundational principles of this multidisciplinary study.

The thesis addresses the theme of conservative restoration of the former Municipal Slaughterhouse in Ribera, located in the province of Agrigento, along with a proposal for urban and environmental redevelopment of the surrounding neighborhood.

The study unfolded through several phases.

The first phase involved a historical-critical analysis, drawing on materials from the library, archives, and the municipal technical office in Ribera. This phase provided valuable insights into the construction period of the structure, which appears to date back to the late 1920s, built under the influence of the fascist regime. In Italy, the architectural culture of fascism permeated even the small towns of Agrigento, establishing a distinctive style and language. Although the former Slaughterhouse may not have held a prominent role compared to other structures in the city, it was once the focal point of the neighborhood, characterized by the architectural features typical of the fascist era.

The second phase involved research in urban planning to better understand the dynamics that shaped the historical evolution of the neighborhood around the former Slaughterhouse. This included a study of the road system, existing building types, their state of conservation, land use, intervention categories, and an exploration of landscape protection and preservation themes.

In the third phase, attention turned to photographic documentation and architectural surveys of the factory, including an analysis of the state of materials and structures. This work was essential for assessing the preservation status of the architectural structure. Photogrammetry of the facades and CAD vectorization were then employed to identify and document all forms of degradation and structural issues. Based on these investigations, a plan for interventions and structural reinforcement was developed, involving the installation of new floors and a new roof to ensure the preservation and safeguarding of the former Municipal Slaughterhouse.

Following the study of the architectural structure and finishing elements, the research continued with the creation of a thematic map highlighting deteriorations on the facades. Notably, a significant presence of biological patina on external finishing surfaces was identified among the more significant issues. Subsequently, a plan for diagnostic investigations and thematic charts of cleaning, consolidation, integration, and protection interventions necessary for the restoration of the factory was drafted. Diagnostic investigations are crucial for supporting architectural restoration efforts, providing a detailed analysis of the structure and materials, identifying the causes of defects, and facilitating the selection of appropriate solutions to arrest or contain the effects of deterioration processes, supported by reliable data obtained during instrumental diagnostics.

The structural consolidation phase also involves the complete reconstruction of one of the pitched wooden roofs and the insulation of the remaining floors.

Upon completing all the necessary operations for securing the factory, the focus shifted to developing a project for the functionalization and urban and environmental redevelopment. According to this plan, the former Slaughterhouse will be transformed into an agro-food market, with spaces allocated for a café, a fruit and vegetable section, a meat section, a fish section, a bakery, a deli, and a wine shop. Additionally, the internal courtyards will be utilized for the weekly enjoyment of the market. The proposal for urban and environmental redevelopment includes the creation of two adjacent squares near the architectural factory, one of which is designed to facilitate the weekly market and the preservation of the citrus biodiversity and ancient Sicilian citrus farming traditions in the southeast of the squares, through the establishment of a collection park.