The regeneration of public housing neighborhoods: the Italian case of the hills of western Genoa

Abstract

Regenerating urban public spaces also includes redesigning and planning infrastructures to promote mobility through improved accessibility. This paper presents research conducted on public housing neighborhoods (in Italian ERP “Edilizia Residenziale Pubblica”) outlining a functions-oriented approach to do the regeneration of urban public spaces as an incentive/driver for sustainable, and in particular soft and active mobility. The case study focuses on two hillside ERP neighborhoods in Genoa Pra’ (Italy): Ca’ Nova and San Pietro. Due to their location, these neighborhoods have increasingly become considered peripheral over the years. The research places specific emphasis on the relationship between public spaces and mobility. With regard to public spaces, various types of interventions have been planned, including green areas and the enhancement of sports activities. As for soft mobility, cycling, and pedestrian interventions are envisioned. At the core of this regeneration approach, the research focuses on functions capable of revitalizing these hillside neighborhoods. The goal is to integrate them into the broader surrounding territory while also transforming them into hubs capable of attracting new residents, workers, and visitors/tourists. This research addresses issues of international relevance, in fact, on this very topic, an Erasmus+ project titled “Teaching for the socio-ecological transformation of neighbourhoods: an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approach” is currently underway.