L'ex colonia marina bergamasca di Celle Ligure (SV). Usi e riuso

Within the context of the debate about Italian neglected and disused architectural heritage, the case study of seaside “colonie-colony” has represented, since the 1980s, a still current topic that, to date, has not yet found an answer to the requests for conservation, reuse and public and private interests. Colonie were founded in the second half of 19th century in order to treat sick children from the lowest classes, and during the fascist period were turned into children education centres. After World War II they became summer resorts for children from the working class. Nowadays “colonie” are not used anymore. Despite its value, the most of this heritage has been lost, because of demolitions, inappropriate reuse and dereliction. Due to commercial speculative interests and the lack of conservation, the risks associated with this heritage are the loss of their tangible and intangible value, and above all, that of the several memories related to them. This paper is about the case of the seaside “colonie” of Bergamo in Celle Ligure, and will address the issue of the contradictions related to its enhancement, possible reuse and future demolition. That will be followed by the construction of a complex with housing and tourist functions.