Strategie di rigenerazione dei centri minori attraverso la valorizzazione e l’innovazione tecnologica delle risorse locali: un caso lombardo. Strategies for the regeneration of smaller towns through the enhancement and technological innovation of local resources: a case study in lombardy.

The scenario that Europe presents up to now shows a strong tendency towards the centralization of the population in urban areas, causing depopulation of smaller towns, aging, and the abandonment of the tangible and intangible heritage of marginal areas, where 30% of the total EU population lives. It is necessary to offset the macro-trend and promote sustainable development where new emerging post-pandemic challenges become the drivers for implementing regenerative actions. Strategies have to enhance residents and marginalized social groups, as well as cultural and natural heritage and the development of small and medium-sized businesses through creativity and innovation, hinging on culture and local knowledge. The research aims to characterize marginal areas to identify strategies for improving the resilience and adaptation of the building stock, preserving its cultural heritage while making it more adaptive to climate change, by using natural resources and promoting new circular economies through the activation of cross-sector synergies, in a multiscale and multidisciplinary approach. Valorization of historical minor villages is investigated having as reference the case study of the Spluga Valley regeneration project (Italy). The paper describes methods to recognize the values of pre-existence through the knowledge phase and the indicators, originating from the analysis and diagnosis process. The aim is to hypothesize new functions compatible with the existing and capable to link the physical renovation to the relaunch of the territory and therefore of its local community, underlining the role of short supply chains for building materials. In particular, strategies for the refurbishment of historical buildings are presented, through technologies that make use of natural materials taking advantage of the territory’s short supply chains. Finally, the rehabilitation of a historic hydroelectric plant is illustrated to ensure the self-sufficiency of the area.