Ricerc@Sapienza

The contribution discusses the little-known topic of Italo-Argentine cultural heritage. The data gathered during the numerous studies performed so far have served as the basis for a Scientific Observatory. Its goal is to promote knowledge of the material and immaterial assets testifying to an integrated cultural process between the two countries as well as to highlight the relationship between Italian and Argentine culture during late twentieth-century mass immigration when Italians actively participated as designers, builders, entrepreneurs, businessmen, and teachers.

The earliest Phoenician settlement in the 8th century BC on the island of Motya is thoroughly illustrated with new discoveries by Sapienza University Expedition: the earliest temples of Baal (Shrine C14 and Temple C5) and Astarte (Shrine C12), the Tophet, the earliest necropolis and the 'Funduq' (Building C8) in Area C. Ceramic materials and other finds are also published.

The intrinsic nature of local rocks shaped the features of built heritage in historical centers. The resulting building culture is part of the cultural heritage itself, and must be considered when building in such areas, while it is essential to solve the issues related to traditional constructions’ weaknesses. Nonetheless, the potentialities of massive stone envelopes, particularly the importance of thermal inertia, have contributed to redefining the language of contemporary architectural culture.