How to recognise the rural vernacular heritage

This study connected to the rural vernacular research, launched within the Forum UNESCO University and Heritage looks out indicators for recognising the rural vernacular heritage in each country. These indicators, connected to the land, farm, buildings and production are applied on the rural vernacular heritage in Lombardy, Northern Italy, in order to evaluate the elements which make up the identity of the regional landscape, such as the characteristics which form the sense of place related to agrarian production. The definition of these indicators is useful to recognise the values of the existing rural vernacular heritage and to guide the evolution of new farm buildings. The indicators from the study provide a methodology for the management of rural vernacular heritage and a tool to assess the impact of any project on rural areas and surroundings.