Historical centers and architectural heritage. The chimneys as elements of identity

Among the elements useful to define the aesthetic characteristics of the old buildings in the historic centers, it is possible to recognize the chimneys, located on the upper part of the smoke channel, emerging above the roofs. In Calabria there are historical towns characterized by a widespread presence of chimneys of singular manufacture. In some cases they become a significant and scenic component of the landscape; it is the case of the historic center of Cassano Calabro, in the province of Cosenza, known for the presence of many traditional chimneys distributed especially in the oldest core. In a specifically dedicated study, given their considerable formal diversity, it was thought to carry out a field reconnaissance aimed at their classification by type on the basis of which to set and orient a targeted and more in-depth analysis. The types surveyed take into account the aesthetic and structural shape, as well as their position (on the slope or outside the houses). A preliminary analysis of the historical context in relation to the territorial and urban land was then initiated to focus attention on the old city core, and on the individual traditional houses equipped with chimneys. From a large-scale observation, the knowledge was progressively detailed, to highlight aspects related to the placement of the flues inside the house or resting on the outside walls. Studies were completed on the constituent materials and their conservation status. The collection of information helps to outline an interesting knowledge of the construction system of the urban core as a whole, bringing out the identity values represented by the unique chimneys that decorate the roofs of houses. The appropriate elaboration of knowledge provides significant indications, directing towards projects to enhance the architectural heritage able to highlight the values identified with reference to their context.