Wounds to the countryside inflicted by humans are being healed in the small locality of Saline Joniche in southern Italy. The intervention could serve as a worldwide reference for the sustainable reuse of disused industrial sites.

The intention of the proposal by AutonomeForme and grupo aranea is to restore the natural balance of the largely destroyed landscape, and to gradually undo the damage caused by human hands. This healing process will progress continually; the scars in the countryside will remain visible for a long time, serving as a warning to future generations.

Project author Francisco Leiva elucidates: “You must also see that this project has a significance that extends far beyond the region. It shows how industrial wasteland can be used – and our methods can be applied in other places.”

Read feature interview in 4th Holcim Awards 2014/2015 (flip-book)