The recovery of former slaughterhouses in western Sicily as an opportunity for urban regeneration of small towns

This paper examines the niche architectural heritage of former slaughterhouses, with a focus on those in the territory of western Sicily. The analysis evaluates building consistency, constructive, typological and material characteristics, as well as opportunities for their valorization through targeted recovery and re-functionalization actions. Significant cases of reuse that can contribute to social and territorial enhancement are identified, highlighting possible strategies and potential issues in the regeneration process. In this context, the former Slaughterhouse of Mistretta (ME) is explored as an experimental case study through the lens of the regeneration of a small urban center in regional Sicily. The project aims at the recovery of the building through its re-functionalization as a coworking space, in which remote work is integrated with cultural and social activities. In addition to offering new job opportunities, the intervention aims to strengthen the community fabric and improve the quality of local life. This reuse model aims to demonstrate how the reappropriation of buildings that have fallen out of use, but which still retain a particular architectural quality, can foster the emergence of new attractive hubs that generate value in small communities which are currently experiencing population decline. The analysis of several former slaughterhouses and the in-depth case study of Mistretta offer concrete insights for planning recovery and redevelopment interventions in similar contexts.