The regaining of public spaces to enhance the historic urban landscape

Historic urban landscapes, recognized as cultural heritage by UNESCO, face significant challenges due to the deterioration and abandonment of public spaces, which threatens their identity. This study identifies key strategies to counteract the decline of these spaces, focusing on interventions that enhance fruition while preserving historic and cultural values. By comparing Management Plans from Italian UNESCO World Heritage cities with urban complex characteristics, the research pinpoints major targets and executive tools for open space management. The proposed strategies aim to improve comfort and accessibility in places like streets, squares, and gardens, with practical applications tested in Mantua and Sabbioneta. Citizen involvement played a crucial role in the requalification design process, offering insights into the applicability of these approaches in complex urban settings.

Bolici, R., Gambaro, M., & Giordano, C. (2017). The regaining of public spaces to enhance the historic urban landscape. The Journal of Public Space, 2(1), 45. https://doi.org/10.5204/jps.v2i1.49