The Paradigm of Small Walled Towns

The article presents a definition of the concept of SWaT (Small Walled Town), identifying them as a paradigm to test and verify design driven approaches to enhance cultural heritage. It starts with a critical literature review to highlight the development of a research field that led to theoretical and applied outcomes, with a specific focus on the Italian design community and context. In doing so, a possible synthesis of the most recurrent approaches is proposed to arrive at the most advanced of recent years. The main theme of the research is then presented, defining SWaT as a specific form of cultural heritage within which reactivation and valorisation measures can be implemented, using the typical approach of design cultures. Finally, the most comprehensive interpretation of the wall concept inherent in the concept of SWaT is proposed, understanding its metaphorical and cultural dimensions as design challenges.