Per una nuova visione del concepire la città : fare, e imparare, una nuova urbanistica

The understanding of cities and territories has evolved in recent years, incorporating a wider range of disciplines traditionally seen as separate from urban planning. In Italy, this shift has been influenced by Alberto Magnaghi and the Società dei Territorialisti, who advocate for a territorialist and bioregional approach to urban development. This perspective promotes a multidisciplinary approach that integrates human and natural sciences, challenging the prevailing technical models in urban planning. University education in urban planning has followed a similar trend, broadening its scope to include fields such as ecology, circular economy, sustainable mobility, and energy policies. This shift responds to the increasing complexity of urban challenges, emphasizing the need for planners to engage with diverse knowledge systems. A key focus of this renewed approach is the design and management of urban public space. Public space is now viewed not only as a physical environment but as a dynamic, people-centered space that fosters social well-being, inclusivity, and active citizen participation. This shift is particularly relevant in the context of global challenges like climate change and resource depletion, where urban areas must adopt more sustainable practices. The concept of the bioregion, introduced by Peter Berg and developed by Magnaghi, is central to this new perspective. The urban bioregion is a vision of cities as self-sustaining systems that prioritize local resources and foster synergies between urban and rural areas. It calls for a participatory approach to urban governance, where communities actively shape their environment. In conclusion, the urban bioregion framework offers a holistic approach to urban development, promoting sustainability, resilience, and social equity by integrating ecological, social, and economic factors in the planning process. The interdisciplinary approach advocated in this volume is not only necessary but also the key to addressing the complex, multifaceted challenges of contemporary urban development.