Architettura e urbanistica, presupposti e partecipazione

In analysing the relationship between architecture and urban planning, this paper starts from Leonardo Benevolo’s declaration (in 1963) that defines the latter as “a part of politics required to concretize each operational program”. So, while waiting for the long expected reform, urban planning – once as well as today – needs a complete overhaul to get a better understanding of its role and relationship with politics. The other reference is to one of the founders of this field of research, Patrick Geddes, and his definition of “civic science” (1915). This allows us to stress how modern Geddes’ urban and social planning was. The subject is analysed at its various historical stages, and the main concept of this paper concerns the link between efficiency and effectiveness in urban planning and democracy, and participation in political work.