Historical authenticity of modern architecture: preservation and regeneration of Olivetti architecture in Ivrea

Abstract

The recent candidacy of the architecture and districts of the Olivetti company in Ivrea to the UNESCO World Heritage List once again spurs debate on what it means to improve and preserve the Modern in the transformation and regeneration of contemporary cities. A theme that was handle in the city plan in 2002, giving rise to a series of activities and initiatives to prepare the candidature, constituting a test-bed on the importance and feasibility of the conservation of modern heritage. The Ivrea city plan was, in fact, the first attempt to gradually unite an innovative preservation process with activities targeted at encouraging a common sentiment towards the safeguarding of a unique modern heritage.