"Abitare Mediterraneo" database: an open system

The Cittam conference has the aim of investigating about the reflection – over the sustainable development strategies and the ecological approach – of a number of principles, already present and rooted in the Mediterranean traditional culture, such as the bioclimatic response of buildings, the local resource employment and the social and cultural factors involved in the human activities. Presentazione del volume The Cittam (Centro Interdipartimentale di ricerca per lo studio delle Tecniche Tradizionali dell'Area Mediterranea) has always been dealing with the great subjects of the architecture, landscape and urban design within the Mediterranean region, through a number of different studies about the traditional technologies and strategies employed by the populations inhabiting this so rich cultural basin. This international conference has the aim of investigating about the reflection - over the sustainable development strategies and the ecological approach - of a number of principles, already present and rooted in the Mediterranean traditional culture, such as the bioclimatic response of buildings, the local resource employment and the social and cultural factors involved in the human activities. In fact, following the Meridian Thought, the dialogue, the communication, he fecundity and the nomadism of ideas and people, and last but not least the slowness set against the frantic life, can be taken as re-founded values for the Mediterranean common culture. As far as contemporary architecture is concerned, and thus new application of city and land configuration, the teaching lectures learnt from the aforesaid principles, included in the Mediterranean tradition, will provide a large and deep aid to the actions and design items aimed at reducing the ecological footprint and at respecting the existing landscape. The challenge of this Cittam conference is the enhancement of the cultural connection between the architecture, the infrastructures and the XXI century city configuration, all of which had contributed to the whole process - from the big works of the 19th century, till the nowadays innovation in material and product employment; by means of comparison and discussion about examples, theories, ideas and studies, the relationship between the various scale design and the sustainable development approach within the Mediterranean region will be faced.