Two project experiences for the rural landscape of the Sicilian backcountry

This paper poses questions on the conservation of the characteristics of the Sicilian rural-pastoral landscape by understanding its possible role in contemporary architectural design. Taking moves from Grand Tour travelers’ interest in the rural landscape of the Sicilian backcountry, the paper retraces some key phases and theoretical opinions to understand the relationships and influences of rural architecture on modern and contemporary architecture. The goal is to prove that the future of the rural landscape is tied to not only the physical conservation of past historical evidence but also – and maybe, especially – contemporary design’s spiritual capacity to interpret and actualize the distinctive settling characteristics of territories.