Exploring the divided identity of Matera - Reconnecting fragmented landscapes.

This research addresses the concept of divided urban identities and the impact of urban and architectural design on urban landscape fragmentation. It explores the connection between urban environments' physical attributes and the divide of social, cultural, and po-litical identities within cities. This study uses a multidisciplinary method to acquire a thorough knowledge by combining architectural studies, urban planning theories, and social-cultural perspectives. The case study of reference is the city of Matera, in southern Italy, which has a unique histo-ry of slow shaping of its urban and productive lansdcape throughout centuries due to heavy environmental constrains and resource availability and which suffered forced evac-uation and major discontinuities in the past century. Here, the opposing traits of the histori-cal Sassi district and the new town are examined, focusing on their resulting separated ur-ban identities. The study highlights the discrepancy between the perceived cultural land-scape grounded in the area of Sassi and the daily-life scenario provided by the new town by combining different qualitative research techniques, including site inspections, inter-views with residents and tourists based on the Imageability questionnaire defined by Kevin Lynch, and examination of historical and contemporary records. The study also looks at how divided cities may be reconciled and integrated, emphasising the relevance of a holistic landscape approach for the framing of complex issues. The study proposes methods and best practices for developing inclusive urban settings that promote cohesion and shared identities through the analysis of successful cases of urban regeneration, adaptive reuse of spaces, and participatory design processes. The findings of this research contribute to both academic and practical knowledge by deepening our understanding of the relationship between urban design, architecture, and divided urban identities. It emphasises the value of comprehensive approaches to urban planning that take into account the social, cultural, and historical settings of cities in order to foster inclusivity, rapprochement, and the development of common urban identities.