Water Towers Through Time. Guidelines, Approaches, and Practices for Strategic Valorization

Abstract

This study analyzes the development and technological functions of water towers worldwide, with a particular focus on their evolution in Italy, specifically in the city of Palermo. Originally conceived as prominent landmarks in peri-urban areas, Palermo’s water towers once punctuated the agricultural landscape and suburban area, serving as critical infrastructure for water storage and distribution. Over time, as urban expansion reshaped the city and its fabric, many of these structures fell into neglect. This research examines the transformation of water distribution systems, emphasizing the pivotal role of water towers in both urban and rural contexts and exploring their rehabilitation. By conducting a comparative analysis of adaptive reuse strategies, the study identifies different approaches to their preservation and re-functionalization. For the case of Palermo, a preliminary technological classification is here proposed, distinguishing between urban and rural types based on architectural and constructive characteristics and functional purposes. This classification is aimed to guide rehabilitation and valorization through the analysis of specific case studies. By examining case studies from around the world, this research identifies rehabilitation methodologies that can serve as valuable examples for Palermo, offering strategies adaptable to its specific context. Through the cataloging and analysis of the technological attributes of Palermo’s water towers, this study seeks to elevate their status as heritage assets and establish a foundation for their future conservation. It advocates for their preservation through adaptive reuse strategies that ensure public accessibility while respecting their historical and technological significance, bridging international best practices with the local implementation in Palermo.