Architetture del Novecento a L’Aquila tra riconoscimento e uso: il nuovo ospedale di Marcello Vittorini / Twentieth-century architecture in L'Aquila between recognition and use: Marcello Vittorini's new hospital

Abstract

Twentieth-century hospital complexes are significant examples of how architecture can shape the urban context and the development of cities. However, the significances and the architectural values of these structures are often overlooked and misunderstood; especially when said buildings assume strategic importance, their functions tend to overwhelm and distort the architecture. The selection of the most significant works of the twentieth century and beyond (from 1945 to today) in Abruzzo seems to ignore hospitals; furthermore, the generally used criteria to assess cultural interest appear to mainly focus on the initial project, neglecting transformations over time and the relationship with places. Starting from the analysis of 20^th-century hospital complexes (particularly the most recent, yet significantly altered, one), we aim to reflect on the need for a long-term vision that allows for the management of change with a view to co-evolution, avoiding disruption and damage to the architectural heritage.