Austrian Reference Projects for Revival Between Tradition and Innovation in Accumoli
Work of the Reconstruction School, coordinated by the University for Continuing Education Krems, presented at the residence of the Italian Prime Minister in Rome.
February 28th, 2025
For over five years, the University for Continuing Education Krems has been coordinating a reconstruction school in the earthquake-devastated town of Accumoli. On the initiative of the Italian government’s commissioner for the 2016 earthquake, Guido Castelli, and the Austrian ambassador in Rome, Dr. Martin Eichtinger, the projects of the reconstruction school were presented on February 26 at the residence of the Italian Prime Minister (Palazzo Chigi) in Rome by Univ.-Prof. Dr. Christian Hanus, scientific director of the Research Lab for Sustainable Cultural Heritage at the University for Continuing Education Krems. Reconstruction Commissioner Castelli highlighted the holistic approach to rebuilding, which integrates the restoration of structural elements with economic, social, and cultural revitalization, as a key contribution to the rebirth of the town. The developed concepts and solutions provide a solid foundation for the now-anticipated accelerated reconstruction of the completely destroyed historic site.
Since its destruction by a series of earthquakes between 2016 and 2017, the central Italian town of Accumoli has been the focus of a team led by Univ.-Prof. Dipl. Arch. ETH Dr. Christian Hanus. Following a comprehensive approach that aims to reconstruct the town with the participation of its inhabitants and experts from various disciplines, the lab has initiated numerous projects to prepare for reconstruction. At the heart of these efforts is the Accumoli Reconstruction School, where, alongside the University of Krems, several other universities and research institutions incorporate issues of holistic reconstruction into their teaching and research. To develop teaching methods and didactic tools for tackling the complex task of rebuilding destroyed historical centers, the Research Lab coordinated the EU-funded Erasmus+ project “Complex Participatory Reconstruction of Urban Structures.” Other projects, such as the international orchestra academy “Accademia Vicino di Accumoli” and initiatives like “Accumoli 2030” and “Accumoli e le sue Radici,” have revitalized the cultural heritage of the community and documented its intangible heritage.
Foundations for Accelerated Reconstruction Established
With the support of the Austrian ambassador in Rome, Dr. Martin Eichtinger, Accumoli has now been established as a reference project within the Italian government’s reconstruction initiative. Reconstruction Commissioner Senator Guido Castelli described the University for Continuing Education Krems’ initiative as a crucial contribution to Accumoli’s revival. According to Castelli, Accumoli represents one of the most significant examples of the “Laboratorio Appennino Centrale” project as an innovative model for revitalizing inland areas. He urged that the unified reconstruction of Accumoli’s historic center, provided for under a special ordinance, be promptly advanced.
Austrian Ambassador to Italy, Dr. Martin Eichtinger, characterized the reconstruction projects in Accumoli as a concrete example of European cooperation in the spirit of solidarity. He emphasized that they demonstrate how continuous dialogue between institutions and the involvement of local communities can foster a hopeful future.
Research Lab director Christian Hanus, in his presentation, highlighted the complexity of reconstructing destroyed historic centers, emphasizing the necessity of interdisciplinary coordination. He noted that the focus extends beyond rebuilding physical structures to include social and cultural revitalization as well as economic recovery. Hanus expressed gratitude to the local, regional, and national authorities involved in the collaboration, as well as to Ambassador Eichtinger and Commissioner Castelli for their support. He also thanked other attendees of the presentation, including the regional councilor for reconstruction in Lazio, Manuela Rinaldi, and the mayor of Accumoli, Mauro Tolomei.
ComPaRe Conference in Accumoli, Attended by Commissioner Castelli and Ambassador Eichtinger
On the day before the presentation in Rome, the “Complex Participatory Reconstruction of Urban Structures” project was concluded with a conference in Accumoli, attended by Commissioner Castelli and Ambassador Eichtinger. Both had the opportunity to witness the activities of the Accumoli Reconstruction School and assess the current situation. In addition to presenting and demonstrating the developed methods and tools for participatory reconstruction, the event also featured the first on-site demonstration of the multisensor robotic platform developed within the “heritage ROSS” project for documenting and monitoring cultural heritage. Ambassador Eichtinger welcomed the international collaboration of “the best and most dedicated minds” to alleviate the suffering endured and take proactive measures for future disasters.
Scuola di Ricostruzione Promotes Holistic Reconstruction
The University for Continuing Education Krems leads and coordinates the activities of project partners from Italy, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Hungary within the Scuola di Ricostruzione (Reconstruction School). This initiative operates in collaboration with the responsible authorities, local planners, and the affected population. The town of Accumoli has provided the partner institutions with a newly constructed multi-purpose building on a hill above the destroyed town center. The goal of this interdisciplinary collaboration is to develop and implement long-term teaching and research projects focused not only on earthquake-resistant reconstruction of historic buildings but also on the sustainable revitalization of economic, social, cultural, and religious structures.In August 2024, the municipality of Accumoli and the University of Krems signed a cooperation agreement that ensures regular exchanges of experience and knowledge, the development, design, and implementation of projects for the holistic reconstruction of earthquake-affected areas—including their economic, social, and cultural structures—and the transfer of acquired knowledge to those involved in the reconstruction process.
Report of the Austrian Embassy in Rome
Contact
Univ.-Prof. Dr. sc. techn. Dipl. Arch. ETH Christian Hanus, FEng.
Scientific Director - Research Lab for Sustainable Cultural Heritage
University for Continuing Education Krems
Email: christian.hanus@donau-uni.ac.at
Tel.: +43 2732 893-2654