On 4 June, project partner Ca’ Foscari Foundation organised a unique treasure hunt across the museums of the Vicenza foothills in the Veneto Region (Italy). The event was designed to explore traditional knowledge, historical construction techniques, and sustainable approaches to shaping and inhabiting the cultural landscape.
A diverse group of participants – including heritage enthusiasts, construction professionals, and members of the local community – visited three small ethnographic museums dedicated to Brick, Wood, and Minerals. Through hands-on interaction and guided discovery, they engaged with the collections in a new way, uncovering the Genius Loci – the spirit of the place – deeply embedded in materials and practices of the past.
The event was made possible in collaboration with the Altovicentino museum network, coordinated by Ivana De Toni, and represents a valuable contribution to the goals of the DECORATOR project – connecting cultural heritage with sustainable construction and local identity.
This inspiring experience highlights how creative and participatory activities can foster greater awareness of place-based knowledge, respect for traditional materials, and a more sustainable relationship with the built environment.
