The project is aimed at developing an integrated approach to the renewal and regeneration of a completely abandoned hamlet (borgata Varda, valley of Roc, Local Authority Noasca). The hamlet is part of a landscape and environment of great value, within the Piedmontese side of the Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso, and is of interesting architectural quality. The integrated approach to regeneration should take into account not only architectural but also social and economic aspects.
Due to the depopulation, in Piemonte there are several abandoned mountain villages and hamlets. In few cases, in the most touristic and rich areas, they are bought by non-local people who renew the buildings (often with great care, sometime foreigners) and use them as second homes. In very few cases, some people try to come back to live in these places, but discover the uneasiness and lack of services. Mostly, they fall into ruin. It is an architectural and historic heritage at risk that deserves to be put back into use. But the problem is not only to save the buildings but to take back dwellers and activities.
The Vallone del Roc, above Noasca, is an area of relevant and unspoilt beauty. The hamlets are not accessible by road and have been abandoned for a long time (in 1956 there were still 700 pop. and 50-70 schoolchildren). There is already a small eco-museum (the old primary school) and quite a few tourists come to walk along the paths, but it is worth renewing and putting back to life as much as possible the area. However the approach should not be that of creating a second homes enclaves, but promoting a sustainable economic, social and physical regeneration of the area.
The Comune is aware of the existence of 2-3 local families interested in developing some economic activities in the hamlet.
The study is expected to:
The follow-up activities should be the implementation of the integrated renewal strategy devised by the feasibility study.
1 feasibility study
Involvement of many experts and local stakeholders into the project, in order to take it forward to the implementation phase
Consequent renewal of the buildings and increase in the level of dynamism and liveability of the area
Visibility of the results
Noasca
Mountain Comunity Valli Orco e Soana: 8.356 inhab. ( 2001) (10.151 in 1981)
Town of Noasca: 270 pop.
So far the mountain has been seen more as an obstacle than as a resource. The establishment and activities of the Park have already changed the perception and the local population and visitors are more and more aware of the environmental value of the area. In a way it is luck that the complete abandonment of these villages has meant in a way their perfect preservation in a traditional state instead of a poor quality renewal.
The renewal and re-use of a small hamlet can be beneficial for Noasca and for the lower part of the Valley, which is less known than the upper part (Ceresole).
Most likely an agreement between public bodies will be signed (Convenzione).
The Politecnico will do most of the research and feasibility work.
Beside those already involved: the Mountain Community should be involved
Beside those already involved: the Mountain Community should be involved
No.
There may be a project on accessibility to the hamlet starting in parallel or afterwards. The activity should be connected and coherent with the existing planning guidance of the local authorities, the mountain community, the province, the Park.
The project period (2004-2006) will be characterised by the following activities:
Experts from the Polytechnic of Turin (Dipartimento di Ingegneria dei sistemi edilizi territoriali) are involved in order to devlop the feasibility study