What does the future hold for Alpine villages? A roundtable discussion on restoring traditional architecture, exploring new ways of living, and caring for the landscape.
On Saturday 24 October 2026, from 4:00 to 6:30 pm, Fondazione Canova ETS will host “Ossola Restoration Workshop – Experiences and Perspectives on Traditional Alpine Architecture” at the Don Tullio Bertamini Auditorium, Istituto Rosmini, Via Rosmini 24, Domodossola.
The event is part of the Interreg Italy–Switzerland project BLITZART – SensibilizzArte, in which the Foundation is a partner, and offers an opportunity to discuss ways to preserve and breathe new life into the built heritage of the Alpine valleys.
A Precious and Fragile Heritage
I piccoli centri storici e i villaggi tradizionali delle vallate alpine custodiscono un patrimonio architettonico tanto prezioso quanto fragile, espressione di un rapporto secolare tra comunità, risorse locali e paesaggio. Un patrimonio oggi minacciato dallo spopolamento, dall’abbandono degli edifici e dalla progressiva perdita di competenze costruttive tradizionali.
The small historic settlements and traditional villages of the Alpine valleys preserve an architectural heritage that is as precious as it is fragile, reflecting a centuries-old relationship between communities, local resources and the landscape. Today, this heritage is threatened by depopulation, the abandonment of buildings and the gradual loss of traditional building skills.
Strategies for the Conservation and Regeneration of Historic Alpine Settlements
The first part of the event will feature Lorenzo Jurina, Barbara Zanzi, Roland Flückiger-Seiler, Walter Hauser and Maurizio Cesprini.
The discussion will explore conservation and reuse, the challenges of fragmented property ownership and the prospects for revitalising stone villages, broadening the focus from Ossola to other Alpine regions.
The event is curated and moderated by architect Wolfgang Klebelsberg.
The event is curated and moderated by architect Wolfgang Klebelsberg.
The second part will focus on three restoration projects:
- Borgata Coletta, presented by architects Stefano Perri and Paola Treves, will offer a reflection on revitalising places and the possibilities of mountain living.
- The village of Veglio, presented by architect Arianna Pirazzi, will focus on bringing everyday life back to the village, connecting the restoration of buildings and spaces with community life and care for the surrounding landscape.
- Cantiere Naviledo, presented by architect Giovanni Pegoraro, will explore participatory approaches to housing, placing collaboration and people’s direct involvement at the heart of the transformation process.
The BLITZART Project
Funded by the Interreg VI-A Italy–Switzerland 2021–2027 Cooperation Programme, BLITZART uses art and culture to raise awareness among communities of the changes affecting the Alpine region. The project addresses three themes: protecting natural heritage in the face of climate change, conserving and reusing traditional architecture, and promoting responsible and sustainable tourism.
The event in Domodossola contributes to this initiative by bringing together professionals, institutions, residents and anyone interested in discussing the future of Alpine villages.
How to Attend
When: Saturday 24 October 2026, 4:00–6:30 pm
Where: Don Tullio Bertamini Auditorium, Istituto Rosmini, Via Rosmini 24, Domodossola
Free admission. Registration is recommended as places are limited.
Register using the following link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/biglietti-ossola-laboratorio-di-recupero-2003079148655
The event will be followed by an aperitivo, offering an opportunity to continue the conversation with speakers and fellow participants.
