From Abandoned Architectures to Smart Ecovillages Rehabilitation of Traditional Dwellings in the Madonie Inner Rural Area of Sicily

The inner rural areas of Sicily face depopulation and unemployment, particularly evident in the Madonie region, centrally located on the island and comprising 21 interconnected municipalities. Within this area, numerous aban- doned residential structures accentuate the prevailing challenges. The objective of this study is to demonstrate how technological and sustainable design, and a compatible architectural rehabilitation through eco-design, especially focusing on mountain hotels such as the Milocca Hotel in Castelbuono, can serve as a key catalyst in revitalizing the area. Emphasis is placed on utilizing these spaces for social housing, along with adaptive reuse and rehabilitation of existing structures, following the principles of green building. Contrary to perceiving tourism solely as a stimulus, a paradigm shift is proposed, considering ecovillages as catalysts for repopulating these rural areas with new residents. The strategy involves offer- ing new services, as well as promoting community value and the rehabilitation of housing structures. A comprehensive exploration of ecovillage models glob- ally, in Europe and Italy, underscores the relevance of this innovative approach to communal living. Moreover, the potential to align with global trends makes these villages intelligent hubs, exploring and experimenting with new forms of habitation to stimulate local economies and facilitate repopulation. Through the implementation of sustainable technological solutions and the rehabilitation/reuse of existing structures, socially competitive housing structures can be developed, even in comparison to modern dwellings in major cities. The widespread adop- tion of technological innovation across the Madonie district generate a network of “smart villages,” transforming vulnerabilities into strengths. This approach not only introduces a series of best practices but also preserves the rich tradition and culture embedded in the material and immaterial heritage of Sicily.