The ‘Casa del Melatino’ in Teramo: a successful conservation intervention
How a complex ancient architecture can influence the project and how the method can ease the composition,
instead of hindering it, in accepting and requiring a number of architectural restrictions: those are the
issues of the debate concerning the conservation intervention of the Melatino’s house.
It is necessary to underline the value of the monument and to project the new intervention in order to show
the unity between two diff erent structures, in view of the
quantity
of
free
space in the existing building.
Or, if it is necessary, coming up with individual, punctiform
pieces of architecture
made in contemporary
language in relation to each other.
The process of conscious approach, based on knowledge, is the guide for the architect in a design process
that doesn’t put on the background the existing architectures and doesn’t prejudice future solutions.
Moreover, in holding new compatible functions, it shows that a ‘third way’ between pure conservation
and pervasive innovation is possible, although difficult to pursue. Therefore, the
high-risk bet, as Claudia
Conforti described this project, can be considered won.
