For the defence of Florence: site-specific urbanism versus sanitary planning

A new awareness of heritage emerged in Florence during the late 19th century, shifting focus from individual monuments to the preservation of the city's entire historic fabric. This shift was driven by resistance against modernization and sanitary planning, exemplified by the Associazione di Difesa di Firenze Antica, which collaborated with foreign communities to protest the destruction of ancient buildings. The study highlights how this fight for Florence's heritage not only conserved its urban landscape but also laid the groundwork for a site-specific urbanism that emphasized historical analysis and local characteristics. Florence's status as an 'art city' and its early association with international tourism made it a pivotal case in the development of heritage urbanism, linked to the broader Art Public movement.

Renard, T. (2022). For the defence of Florence: site-specific urbanism versus sanitary planning. Planning Perspectives, 37(3), 529–550. https://doi.org/10.1080/02665433.2022.2051200