Disused industrial areas on the waterfront. Between Sicily and Calabria

The relocation of industrial activities, which began as early as the last century in Europe and has accelerated in recent decades in the Mezzogiorno, has led to the gradual divestment of substantial portions of industrial assets in many rural and peripheral areas and urban centers. Because of this, even important and strategic industrial areas by the sea, such as the industrial zone of Termini Imerese, the former Puleo Brick Factory in Palermo, Sicily, and Saline Joniche in Calabria, have found themselves threatened by the progressive loss or decline of economic activities, investments, infrastructure and related services. The case studies analysed in the essay are Termini Imerese, which represents a depowered plant, the former Puleo Brick Factory in Palermo, which is a disused industrial site with considerable potential, and Saline Joniche in the province of Reggio Calabria, which is abandoned but never used. Three different case studies of industrial plants in port areas. Three cases, on the sea but different in history and design approach. Three possible and different design strategies for regeneration, preservation and enhancement of the industrial heritage, capable of involving the resources and actors of the area by returning the industrial heritage of the places to the collective cultural heritage as well.