Peripheral Urban Areas: Perspectives on Sustainable Regeneration

The last decades have witnessed a rapid modification of existing urbanization patterns, which have progressively modified the concept of peripheries. The considerable heterogeneity in types and number of urban peripheries and their diverse set of dimensions (spatial, social, and economics) go beyond the concept of the distance from a city core. Urban peripheries are increasingly characterized by discontinuity, heterogeneity, spatial and social fragmentation. At the same time, new economic opportunities and innovation emerge from peripheral areas. The complexity and the dynamism of these areas require new strategies of sustainable urban regeneration. In this framework, urban planning is a critical instrument to address specific demands or challenges in addition to building community-based approaches. This work employs a place-based case study, the project G124 carried out by the Renzo Piano Foundation, in order to evaluate its first outcomes. The project is aimed at “mending” Italian peripheries by involving the community and local stakeholders, as well as enhancing local resources and self-construction for micro-interventions. It is based on the idea of the “beauty” of peripheries, regarded as value through which it is possible to improve sense of belonging and affection. In so doing, the research provides new perspectives about innovative planning approaches based on innovation in decision-making processes finalized to improve urban sustainability in peripheral areas.