L'ex mattatoio di Chieri (Torino): patrimonio archeologico industriale. Dalla rifunzionalizzazione ala valorizzazione della memoria. The formers laughterhouse of Chieri (Turin): an Industrial Heritage. From functional conversion to memory recovery.

The slaughterhouse of Chieri was built at the end of the nineteenth century in response to public health demands for relocating slaughter activities outside the city centre. Up until 1997, the structure maintained its functions and spatial features. After the termination of all activities, however, it remained unused. In 2009 the municipality started the conversion process of the building to turn it into a space intended to accommodate voluntary and non-profit organizations (“Cittadella del Volontariato”). Currently the structure is partially re-used thus providing the opportunity to analyze planning and design issues concerning the architectural renewal, with a focus on its urban and social impact. The building’s architectural features offer the opportunity to conceive sustainable solutions both from a technological and a cultural point of view. Since the project has a definite social mission and strong bonds with the urban context and the community, it seems necessary to improve both physical and ideal relationships by involving a varied range of competencies. Inclusive projects may represent a solution to the insufficient exploitation of the ex-slaughterhouse’s cultural value. Thanks to these projects, the cultural heritage can take on a social role and become an essential resource for a sustainable development.