Modular, Adaptable Shelters for Environmentally Sensitive Archaeological Sites

Two innovative, modular shelter designs—'AkragaShelter' and 'Molecular Shelter'—demonstrate how contemporary architecture can harmoniously integrate with sensitive archaeological landscapes while addressing weather exposure challenges at the UNESCO-listed Valle dei Templi Park in Sicily. The 'AkragaShelter,' constructed from local materials like stone, wood, and plastic, provides a permanent yet dismantlable solution for protecting archaeological remains, while the 'Molecular Shelter' offers a mobile, timber-based structure that can be relocated without disassembly to support temporary excavations. Both designs were developed through an interdisciplinary workshop blending Italian and Japanese construction cultures, employing Building Information Modeling (BIM) to optimize temporality, maintenance, and adaptability. This project marks a significant step toward enhancing visitor facilities in the park while preserving its heritage.

Masera, G., Imperadori, M., Vanossi, A., Salvator-John Liotta, & Ito, Y. (2015). Modular, Adaptable Shelters for Environmentally Sensitive Archaeological Sites. Unpublished. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.1.2018.8008