Progettare il silenzio. Una lettura acustica dell’ex villaggio sanatoriale Morelli a Sondalo

The sanatorium Morelli was built in Sondalo during the fascist era (1932-1940). The strong visual impact of the structure is counterbalanced by a delicate acoustic approach, made necessary by the need to create silent places for supporting medical treatments. The project of “silence” is not only the result of a punitive stance, which simply intends to reduce sound emissions, but above all the effect of a positive attitude, aiming at selecting specific sounds, in accordance with the social and environmental characteristics of place. This produces the sense of participation and identification of the users, generating collective cares and protection. That of Morelli, indeed, is a relevant lesson for the contemporary reflection, with a view to finding good strategies for soundscape design.