Tabarca Building Renovation Project: A Historical Perspective in Genoa’s Port

Abstract

The revitalization of long-disused sites with a focus on production activities is a critical endeavor for the preservation and integration of such sites into the urban fabric, a challenge that Italy also faces. Buildings once deemed “modern” are now key markers of local historical and economic evolution, yet the process of their revitalization demands both careful study and practical solutions. Any effort to adapt these structures must balance conservation with modern functionality, ultimately hinging on the broader theme of restoration and reuse. The Tabarca Building in Genoa serves as a paradigmatic case in point, given its profound cultural significance for both the city and the nation. It was the inaugural facility in Italy to incorporate refrigeration technology for the preservation of goods, a groundbreaking innovation in the early 20th century that profoundly reshaped global commerce and gave rise to new architectural forms. Despite its notable legacy, the full potential of the Tabarca Building remains largely underappreciated. This paper demonstrates that restoration and repurposing work on this historic warehouse highlights the importance of forward-looking interventions, ensuring heritage buildings remain both relevant and respectful of their unique characteristics and surrounding context.