BEYOND TEMPORARY EVENTS: CULTURAL, SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS IN THE ADAPTIVE REUSE OF THE ABANDONED URBAN CONTEXTS

This paper investigates the role of the cultural sector in the recovery and enhancement of abandoned architectural heritage, with a particular focus on the impact of the post-event phase as a determinant of the longterm sustainability of reuse strategies. The research explores how the aesthetic and cultural dimension can serve not only as a means of temporarily rediscovering abandoned heritage, but also as a strategic element in its permanent environmental and sustainable recovery and the redefinition of its social function within the contemporary urban landscape. Among many, two significant Italian case studies are examined, each representing distinct yet complementary approaches: Fuori Uso in Pescara (1990–2010), an initiative that temporarily reactivated historically significant buildings through contemporary art installations; and DumBO space in Bologna, a more structured reconversion of a former railway yard that evolved from temporary uses into a sustained process of urban regeneration through arts and culture. The methodology is based on the comparative case study approach, focusing on the construction and typological features of the abandoned buildings, their adaptability to temporary uses, and the balance between preserving architectural identity and introducing functional innovation. The study offers a critical reflection on urban regeneration, emphasizing how the aesthetic dimension can act as a cornerstone in shaping new forms of identity while supporting the reactivation and reintegration of previously disused spaces into the socio-cultural fabric of the city.