B5671 - URBAN PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

Learning outcomes

The student is expected to understand the urban transformations in Europe in the 19th century. In particular, the student is expected to: - learn theories and methods for reading and planning the historic cities and cultural landscapes - understand about the preservation of the historic cities as an asset for cultural and economic development - understand how the historic cities and landscapes can be objects of interest for cultural institutions.

Course contents

This course explores the conservation and regeneration of urban heritage within a broader urban and planning framework. It focuses on two interrelated thematic axes:

• The recognition of historic cities and settlements as cultural heritage, where conservation and revitalization have gained global relevance in planning and development agendas. These heritage assets increasingly serve as catalysts for cultural tourism, the creative economy, and related activities.

• The reciprocal relationship between urban heritage conservation and regeneration, and the role of cultural institutions and practices as key drivers of community-based and sustainable development.

The examination of these themes offers a platform for critical reflection on the evolving definitions of heritage and value, and the implications of these shifts for conservation planning. These planning approaches—adopted by national and local governments and supported by international agencies—will be critically assessed in light of the growing demand for a holistic, integrated understanding of heritage, particularly in response to environmental change.

In addition to establishing a solid theoretical foundation, the course provides an overview of prevailing methods and tools in conservation planning. These will be contextualized through relevant case studies drawn from Italy and other international settings. Key topics will be addressed through lectures and seminars, including:

1. Urban Planning and Heritage Conservation: Introduction to planning principles, key actors, data and trends, and the evolution of heritage as a planning concern.

2. The "Patrimonialisation" of the Historic City: Planning and regulatory frameworks for urban conservation.

3. The Landscape Approach in Urban and Territorial Planning: Integrating urban heritage with its broader historical environment.

4. Urban Heritage and Sustainable Development: Framing urban heritage within the UN New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

5. International Frameworks for Urban Conservation: The UNESCO World Heritage Convention and the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) approach.

6. Methods of Value Assessment: Identifying and evaluating the cultural significance of urban heritage.

7. Public Engagement and Participatory Planning: Exploring the strategic intersections of culture and urban planning.

8. Urban Heritage in Contexts of Crisis: The role of culture in post-crisis reconstruction and reconciliation.

9. Culture as a Driver of Urban Regeneration: The significance of the public realm in revitalization strategies.

Readings/Bibliography

A complete list of readings will be provided in class.

Teaching methods

Classes comprise a mix of lectures, guest lectures, and in class activities.

Assessment methods

Detailed instructions will be delivered in class

Grading system:

• <18: fail
• 18-23:sufficient
• 24-27: good
• 28-30: very good
• 30 e lode: excellent

Office hours

See the website of Anna Trazzi