History

The Cittam has been founded with a Rectoral Directive n. 9570 of December the 10th, 1990, according to the DPR 382/1980 with the following research programme:

  • processing of survey techniques.
  • catalogue and arrangement of data regarding traditional techniques within the Mediterranean area.
  • processing of site studies regarding application technologies and their relation with current industrial procedures.
  • investigations on vulnerability of Mediterranean regions.

In 1999, following the abandon of some of the Department-members, the surviving of the Centre had been debated, but with the jointed willpower of the two departments of “Configuration and application of Architecture” and “Building Engineering” – the sole departments remained involved – a re-foundation of the CITTAM has been applied, with the election of a new Director, prof. ing. Benito de Sivo, established with the Rectoral Directive of May the 31st, 1999, and with a new programme, aimed at potentiating and deepening a number of already institutional activities, and at increasing the operability.

The successive and alternating Directors have further strengthened and deepened the Centre's activities.

Professor Architect Marina Fumo played a fundamental role, engaging in numerous initiatives, including the creation of one of the first University Master's programs. This master's involved many professors and graduates from the Faculties belonging to the "Polo delle Scienze e delle Tecnologie" (Poles of Sciences and Technologies) of the University of Naples Federico II. Furthermore, in subsequent years, she contributed to the activation of three Erasmus Mundus Master's programs (MACLANDS, DYCLAM, and DYCLAM+) and initiated a fruitful collaboration with the European University Centre for Cultural Heritage, headquartered in Ravello (SA).

Professor Architect Dora Francese, in continuity and alignment with previous work, expanded collaborations, involving numerous Italian and Mediterranean partners. This led to the creation of an expert network aimed at broadening the Centre's research fields and fostering collaboration with the non-profit association "SMC Sustainable Mediterranean Construction" and its namesake scientific journal, which contributes to the scientific and cultural debate related to the environment and the built environment in the Mediterranean area.

The current Director is Professor Engineer Domenico Caputo, in office since 2024.