Memory in stone; From Ruin to Reflection: Exploring Spirituality Through Architecture

Abstract

Reuse of forgotten heritage is another side of saving a culture, identity and the history of a place. This cultural building heritage gives the opportunity to relate to the past in order to understand the present and dream about the future. This thesis aims to investigate how to save the memory and the story of the remaining stones for a ruined church in Italy. To reuse it as a spiritual space in a modern context, and a place for meditation, reflection, and spiritual dialogue. Additionally, integrated into the surrounding natural and historical landscape along the ancient Via Flaminia Minor. The thesis will be a storytelling for the ruin and its heritage to wake up its history and the importance behind the place. Social and cultural sustainability is an essential element of this research, therefore the thesis explores how the adaption and preservation of the ruin of Santa Maria Di Settefonti church can influence the community and people´s appreciation and realization of heritage and historical importance. The study will incorporate case studies to examine spatial qualities and design elements in selected existing projects. These insights will be complemented by a review of relevant literature, which will provide a theoretical framework and support the translation of findings into concrete design strategies. Together, this process will inform the development of a well integrated project proposal.