A model to evaluate tabià reuse: fostering the acknowledgement of vernacular values P. Bonifaci & F. Romaro IUAV University of Venice, Venice, Italy pbonifac@stud.iuav.it T. Morbiato University of Padua, Padua, Italy Abstract A multi‐criteria decision analysis (MCDA) model is used to evaluate different sets of design alternatives for the reuse of tabià, typical masonry or timber barns, which are located in the north‐eastern Italian side of the Alps. After being abandoned following WW2, tabià are nowadays renovated: some are converted into holyday homes, others are still isolated and not incorporated in the urban environment. Recently different governance levels are working on policies for encouraging sustainable tourism, according to a growing sensitivity and environmental awareness. The MCDA model used is particularly relevant to this type of vernacular settlement, as tabià are not uniform in typology, nor are the preservation or retrofitting design alternatives applying to tabià. As the results show, an extensive application of the method could result in helping the definition of more clear policies, possibly acknowledging the vernacular values in the reuse decisional processes. Keywords: multi‐criteria analysis, reuse, sustainomics, timber structures, restoration, traditional alpine constructions INTRODUCTION Aims of the study Tabià is the term defining typical masonry and timber barns, often associated with cattle shed, which are located in the north‐ eastern Italian side of the Alps (Veneto and Trentino regions) (Figure 1). Most ancient tabià still existing date back to 17th century, their constructive tradition lasted until the second half of 20th century. After the Second World War the economy of the region, mainly based on rural activities, gradually switched into a more urban one; tabià and their farms were slowly abandoned and some of them were included in the growing towns. Nowadays some of these tabià have been renovated and converted into holyday homes, mostly those that are still isolated. In recent years, different governance levels are carrying out policies for encouraging sustainable tourism, according to a growing sensitivity and environmental awareness. This could represent an opportunity for the reuse and the refurbishment of those traditional constructions included in the new urban environments and left without maintenance. It would also be a chance to limit the new real estate development and to pro‐ mote a no‐glitter tourism for the small alpine towns. Nevertheless the reuse of tabià implies a series of structural and technological interventions to attain a minimum performance or service level, including seismic improvement, load bearing capacity enhancement and comfort increase. METHODOLOGY A multi‐criteria evaluation model is set on to assess the suitability of a group of reuse actions for two different tabià typologies. The evaluation model is particularly relevant to this type of vernacular settlement, as tabià are not uniform in typology, nor are the preservation or retrofitting works alternatives applying to tabià. Application of the method could result in helping the definition of more clear policies, possibly acknowledging the vernacular values in the conservation and re‐use decisional processes.