Revitalising abandoned historical districts. Application of an incremental and adaptive approach to regeneration

Abstract

Urban regeneration in historical contexts must integrate physical restoration with socio-economic revitalization. This study examines the regeneration of an abandoned area in Palermo’s historic centre, altered by degradation and marginalization. Developed through a research agreement between the Confraternity of the "Unione del Miseremini" and the Department of Architecture at UNIPA, the study proposes a socio-economic regeneration plan. The research addresses the challenge of balancing heritage conservation with contemporary urban innovation. Previous approaches have often overlooked the need for integrated strategies. This study applies the Cityforming Protocol, an incremental methodology that reconnects urban infrastructures (blue, green, grey, brown, and red systems) to restore urban metabolism. Through dynamic mapping and strategic guidelines, it fosters adaptive and inclusive regeneration. Findings highlight that reactivating latent urban elements, leveraging governance frameworks, and engaging communities enhance sustainable regeneration. The study provides a holistic approach for revitalizing historic centres as socio-economic hubs, offering insights for policymakers and urban planners.