THE SALT EXCHANGE: A NEW CURRENCY

Margherita di Savoia faces an identity crisis as locals fight to preserve their historic town hall and the foundations of the Salinaris salt production community. Mechanisation and changing ownership have led to significant losses, diminishing salt from a symbol of power and preservation to a mere commodity. Can salt reclaim its role in preserving the community? The abandoned Nervi ‘Salt Pan Cathedral’, envisions a vibrant cultural and democratic space reminiscent of a contemporary "Roman Forum." The civic hall will represent transparency, integrity, and freedom of expression in response to recent government neglect. Salt production, though central, becomes a by-product in the project as the focus shifts to preserving the community and its identity. An interplay between two agricultural communities, the Salinari and Arenaioli, seamlessly integrated within the site through a network of allotments.The project's ethos of reusing Nervi's existing building materials aids in revealing historic traces through surface articulation and materiality enhancing community identity. Seawater for agricultural irrigation addresses Puglia's prevailing drought crisis. “The Salt Exchange” revitalises Margherita di Savoia by embracing salt as a defining element. Through dialogue, the project empowers the community to reclaim its democratic and culturally significant haven. Salt’s significance is restored, renewing its worth.