METADESIGN OF HISTORICAL RURAL AREAS: FROM SPACE TO PLACE

In the last few years, the transformation of the urban centers is characterized by a reuse of rural buildings fallen into disuse.
National and international studies reveal the need for a reconsideration of intervention strategies including an identification of a multidisciplinary methodology – presented in the paper. The multidisciplinary methodology is a useful reference point for an approach that is able to bring out the potentiality of the built environment.

This work is the result of an experience called MAWA - Metadesign Architecture Working-studio Activities. MAWA is part of a Continuing Education Course by the Department of Civil Engineer and Environment of Politecnico di Milano in cooperation with Istituto di Istruzione Superiore Argentia – Gorgonzola (Milano) – course of Construction, Environment, Territory.

The contributions of different disciplines related to research and experimentation are structured and presented from the following thematic units:
- perception of historical buildings: See Look Observe. Contributions from the Psychology of Perception.
- Spaces and places the project. Contributions from anthropology of related action.
- Cultivate and Shield. Contributions from agricultural science.
- Historical traces and contemporary landscapes. Contributions from the landscape sciences
- Participatory dynamics in architectural design. Contributions from the sociological sciences.
- Aspects of the project sustainability. Contributions from economic sciences.
- Experiences and metadesign orientations. Contributions from architecture.

EXPO Milano 2015 was a chance to reflect more on the requalification of rural area located at the boundary of urban contexts. Based on this reflection, old policies were reviewed and new strategies were defined for the reclamation of farmsteads.

Cascina Pagnana, a farmstead located in Gorgonzola (eastern hinterland of Milano), is the case study of this research. Cascina Pagnana was part of a reclamation plan based on ecological criteria for buildings and surrounding areas. This paper collects the contributions of multidisciplinary researches and presents the design outcomes of the didactic work.