Progetto dI riqualificazione funzionale della Chiesa di Santa Sofia dei Tavernieri a Palermo

This work illustrates a case study dealing with the theme of the reuse of abandoned churches which, inspite of their usually ruined conditions, still maintain their value as important artistic heritage. In particular the S. Sofia congregational church, of the “maestranza dei Tavernieri” in Palermo, has been examined. The site belongs to a group of small churches built by the ancient Confraternities between the XVII and XVIII centuries, having in common similar architectural features and the same probable end. By successive levels of insight on the monument, a reuse proposal was derived. The focus is not just on the monument as such, but mainly on the context requirements, thereby inducing relevant social influence on the community, connected to contemporary needs. This objective was sought keeping in mind the identity of the monument, both in its overall unity and in its details. From the specific case under investigation a general perspective was outlined, for all urban centres where abandoned important heritage sites are present, with the final objective of attributing to the concept of reuse a priority feature with respect to other kinds of intervention.