Town Squares

Abstract

AbstractThe research carried out in the Surveying of Architecture and the City course in the SAAD at the University of Camerino studied the squares in smaller historical centres. These urban spaces were created between the twelfth and fourteenth centuries and are located in the Marche and Abruzzo regions, areas that contain interesting examples. For each square, a surveying campaign was conducted using direct and indirect methods. The acquired data were processed using orthographic views in the cardinal directions. The photogrammetry survey led to the creation of three-dimensional models for an understanding of the relationships between the parts, the state of conservation of the surrounding buildings, and the square itself. Through the representation, the ‘spatial configuration’ of each square was examined, and the primary elements, architectural aspects, axes, foci, and main profiles were shown. Following this, the analyses were compared to discover the similarities and differences. This research investigates questions related to the use of various survey methods applied to real case studies. It also reflects on the conservation and use of squares in small urban centres. Depopulation of these towns has led to a drop in the ‘physical and identifying’ nature of these places. As a result, the squares no longer perform the role assigned to them over the centuries. This research therefore aims to identify new functions capable of enhancing the squares and also make them attractive in order to overcome this problem.KeywordsSurveyingSquareRepresentationTowns