The lecture analyzes the practice of architectural grafting as a methodological tool to define new relationships between historical pre-existences and contemporary urban scenarios. Through the examination of case studies applied to three contexts of outstanding universal value (UNESCO) – the Central Archaeological Area of Rome, the Acropolis of Athens, and the Medina of Marrakech – the session presents studies, master’s theses and award-winning international competition proposals developed within the framework of the Accademia Adrianea di Architettura e Archeologia, an association engaged in research and education activities in the fields of cultural heritage, architecture, and archaeology. These works interpret heritage not as an isolated relic, but as an integral part of the active territorial fabric. By promoting a synthesis between the study of antiquity and current design requirements, and by proposing interventions capable of achieving a unified, meaningful and identity-driven recomposition, contemporary design can embrace historical complexity to generate new places that represent both the evolution and the critical conservation of the cultural palimpsest.

Greta Allegretti, PhD in Architectural Urban Interior Design, is an adjunct professor at the Politecnico di Milano and the Politecnico di Torino. Her studies, work and teaching activities are dedicated to research and design topics related to interiors, museography and the enhancement of cultural heritage.

Sara Ghirardini, Architect and PhD in Architectural Urban Interior Design, is an adjunct professor at Università degli Studi di Palermo and researcher at Accademia Adrianea di Architettura e Archeologia. Her activities combine professional practice with studies and teaching activities in the field of architecture, interior design and cultural heritage valorisation.

Amath Luca Diatta, Architect and PhD in Architectural Urban Interior Design, collaborates at the Politecnico di Torino in the courses of Interior and Exhibit Design and serves as a tutor and researcher at the Accademia Adrianea di Architettura e Archeologia. His work spans professional practice between Italy and France in interior and exhibit design, alongside research on scenography and the intersections of fashion and built heritage.