The third edition of the cultural project Reuse Italy has promoted an international architecture competition and an exhibition on the reuse of the “Fallen-Church” of Grottole (Matera), one of the most scenographic ruins of southern Italy.
The general faced issue has been the depopulation of small towns. The primary purpose of this contest has been the relaunch of a local community thanks to the renovation of the built heritage conceived as an attractive device. For this reason, the activity has been organized together with Wonder Grottole, a local association on the front line in the experimentation of new regeneration models.

The awarded projects are displayed at a local exhibition in Grottole (Matera) until November 1st. To book a tour of the exhibition https://www.wondergrottole.it/visita-la-mostra/

The activity had the partnership of ArchDaily, KooZA/rch and Graphisoft, and it has been supported by the Comune di Grottole (Matera), Ministero per i beni e le attività culturali e per il turismo, FAI Basilicata, Matera Art Film Festival, ANCI Basilicata, Associazione Borghi Autentici d’Italia, Ordine degli Architetti P.P.C. della provincia di Matera and the Regione Basilicata.

Chiesa Diruta is a catholic church built in Grottole (MT) in the 15th century to host the local community of clergymen and to become one the most important churches of the bishopric. It suffered many damages due to earthquakes, fires, and building issues, so it was soon abandoned. The contest asked architects, engineers, and students to turn the ruin into a cultural and music center.

The international jury consisted of: Adam Nathaniel Furman, Emanuele Fidone, Assemble Architects, Diego hernandez (ArchDaily), Simone Bossi, Graca Correia & Roberto Ragazzi (Correia Ragazzi Arquitectos), Andrea Paoletti (Wonder Grottole), Wenqiang Han (Archstudio), Eric de Broche des Combes (Luxigon), Jaume Mayol & Irene Pérez (TEd’A arquitectes).