Prioritising the places and people that need it the most
Urban Regeneration "Nuovo Delfino"
The conversion and refurbishment of a former factory in to multifunctional civic center
The urban regeneration process is driven by the local community, with the primary focus on repurposing a disused building into a multifunctional center. This transformation aims to create a dynamic public space that encourages community engagement and interaction. Additionally, the project involves implementing an innovative governance model, promoting a bottom-up approach for the management of services and ensuring active participation from the local population in decision-making and upkeep.
Italy
Local
Rio Saliceto
Mainly urban
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Completed
No
No
As a representative of an organisation
Rio Saliceto is a municipality with 6,000 residents in the Emilia plain. At the town's heart, within a central block, sits a former knitwear factory, Il Delfino, built in the 1950s. This single-story industrial building, characterized by large roof sheds, ceased operations in the late 1990s. The municipality later acquired the building, repurposing it as a civic center for public events, though it remained mostly empty for much of the time. The surrounding area lacked active functions to animate the public space, and the building itself was introverted and poorly integrated into its context. The 2012 earthquake rendered the structure unsafe.
In 2021, the project for the redevelopment of the Nuovo Delfino multi-functional centre was selected, securing the necessary funds through the Urban Regeneration program of the Emilia Romagna Region. This initiative marks a significant step in the broader regeneration of Rio Saliceto’s town centre. The new civic centre, now nearing completion, will offer a safe, efficient, and flexible space for a wider range of activities—social, cultural, and recreational—thus promoting a more inclusive environment. Public participation has been a key aspect of the project, with strong involvement from local residents and partners such as Fondazione Dopo di Noi and Centro Studio e Lavoro – La Cremeria, which have helped shape the initiative. These partners will also contribute resources, expertise, and activities to the new centre.
The project’s expected outcomes include revitalising the town centre by creating a vibrant space used year-round by diverse users for various activities. The main goal is to foster social inclusion. The centre’s new management will integrate local elements, connecting various community associations, municipal services—especially in culture and social care—the activities of the Biagini Cultural Centre, the civic library across from the building, the adjacent social centre, and local schools.
In 2021, the project for the redevelopment of the Nuovo Delfino multi-functional centre was selected, securing the necessary funds through the Urban Regeneration program of the Emilia Romagna Region. This initiative marks a significant step in the broader regeneration of Rio Saliceto’s town centre. The new civic centre, now nearing completion, will offer a safe, efficient, and flexible space for a wider range of activities—social, cultural, and recreational—thus promoting a more inclusive environment. Public participation has been a key aspect of the project, with strong involvement from local residents and partners such as Fondazione Dopo di Noi and Centro Studio e Lavoro – La Cremeria, which have helped shape the initiative. These partners will also contribute resources, expertise, and activities to the new centre.
The project’s expected outcomes include revitalising the town centre by creating a vibrant space used year-round by diverse users for various activities. The main goal is to foster social inclusion. The centre’s new management will integrate local elements, connecting various community associations, municipal services—especially in culture and social care—the activities of the Biagini Cultural Centre, the civic library across from the building, the adjacent social centre, and local schools.
urban regeneration
public space
community hub
innovative governance
bottom-up
The project prioritises the efficient use of space through a well-structured functional program that meets the diverse needs of future users. The design creates a flexible and adaptable environment: the central hall can accommodate various spatial configurations, new classrooms can be combined as needed, and the kitchen can be partially or fully opened for use.
From a construction perspective, the intervention transforms an inefficient, high-energy-consuming structure into a modern facility with innovative and sustainable solutions. To enhance energy efficiency, the building’s envelope will be upgraded with thermal insulation and new windows for all openings. The multifunctional center will feature an air-based climate control system, managed by an external air handling unit (AHU), along with a multifunctional heat pump to generate both hot and chilled fluids for the system. Additionally, the building will be equipped with a 50KW PV solar panel system.
The design of the surrounding public space is critical to the success of the regeneration process. The goal is to redefine the relationship between the building and the public realm by creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing outdoor areas to serve as an extension of the building. This is particularly evident in areas facing the public gardens, where planned demolitions will create a partially covered square and expand green, planted, and permeable areas.
Investments in public space align with the broader urban regeneration policies of Rio Saliceto, focusing on sustainable mobility networks, the enhancement of the park, and the revitalisation of the main square. The project emphasises soil de-paving and increasing permeable surfaces through partial demolition of the existing building and external areas. This intervention will contribute to climate adaptation by mitigating urban heat island effects and improving rainwater absorption.
From a construction perspective, the intervention transforms an inefficient, high-energy-consuming structure into a modern facility with innovative and sustainable solutions. To enhance energy efficiency, the building’s envelope will be upgraded with thermal insulation and new windows for all openings. The multifunctional center will feature an air-based climate control system, managed by an external air handling unit (AHU), along with a multifunctional heat pump to generate both hot and chilled fluids for the system. Additionally, the building will be equipped with a 50KW PV solar panel system.
The design of the surrounding public space is critical to the success of the regeneration process. The goal is to redefine the relationship between the building and the public realm by creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing outdoor areas to serve as an extension of the building. This is particularly evident in areas facing the public gardens, where planned demolitions will create a partially covered square and expand green, planted, and permeable areas.
Investments in public space align with the broader urban regeneration policies of Rio Saliceto, focusing on sustainable mobility networks, the enhancement of the park, and the revitalisation of the main square. The project emphasises soil de-paving and increasing permeable surfaces through partial demolition of the existing building and external areas. This intervention will contribute to climate adaptation by mitigating urban heat island effects and improving rainwater absorption.
The project involves the renovation of the former Delfino factory, with significant demolition of unnecessary sections and the addition of new volumes to support functions the existing structure can't accommodate. The goal is to preserve the industrial building's historical memory while integrating a contemporary design that revitalises its urban façade, connecting it to public spaces on all sides.
This transformation into a community centre showcases how architectural redevelopment can foster social innovation. It stands out for reflecting the local community’s aspirations, gathered through a participatory process involving over 200 citizens in co-design activities. This helped shape both the building's functionality and its experiential qualities.
The intervention preserves the original structure's heritage while transforming it from a closed, introverted form into an open, permeable structure, fostering visual and functional connectivity between interior and exterior. This transformation is particularly noticeable on all four sides, especially in its relationship with the surrounding park and sports facilities.
The design focuses on high-quality experiences, offering flexible spaces for diverse activities and ensuring universal accessibility for inclusivity. Sustainability features, such as natural lighting from skylights and passive ventilation, enhance users' well-being. Permeability is achieved through large glass openings, new windowed volumes, and an expansive portico facing the park, reinforcing the connection between the interior and exterior and creating a continuous public space.
This initiative exemplifies the combination of preserving industrial heritage and fostering social innovation, with the community at its heart. The participatory management model ensures that both the aesthetic and functional qualities of the space create a meaningful experience, promoting a sense of belonging and shared responsibility for the common good.
This transformation into a community centre showcases how architectural redevelopment can foster social innovation. It stands out for reflecting the local community’s aspirations, gathered through a participatory process involving over 200 citizens in co-design activities. This helped shape both the building's functionality and its experiential qualities.
The intervention preserves the original structure's heritage while transforming it from a closed, introverted form into an open, permeable structure, fostering visual and functional connectivity between interior and exterior. This transformation is particularly noticeable on all four sides, especially in its relationship with the surrounding park and sports facilities.
The design focuses on high-quality experiences, offering flexible spaces for diverse activities and ensuring universal accessibility for inclusivity. Sustainability features, such as natural lighting from skylights and passive ventilation, enhance users' well-being. Permeability is achieved through large glass openings, new windowed volumes, and an expansive portico facing the park, reinforcing the connection between the interior and exterior and creating a continuous public space.
This initiative exemplifies the combination of preserving industrial heritage and fostering social innovation, with the community at its heart. The participatory management model ensures that both the aesthetic and functional qualities of the space create a meaningful experience, promoting a sense of belonging and shared responsibility for the common good.
Inclusivity is central to the Nuovo Delfino project, applied in both the physical design and its management model. The approach to inclusion works on three interconnected levels: physical accessibility, social and economic inclusion, and participatory governance.
In terms of physical accessibility, the intervention ensures full usability by eliminating architectural barriers and creating continuous, intuitive pathways. The building’s permeability, achieved through openings on all sides and a portico toward the park, facilitates access and promotes interaction between the interior and exterior.
Social and economic inclusion is achieved through an innovative model offering two types of membership: a standard one based on traditional fees and a "civic" one that recognises active contributions to the space’s life. This allows commitment to the common good to become a recognised form of participation. Economic sustainability is supported through a balanced mix of revenue sources, including market-based activities, institutional funding, and voluntary contributions, ensuring accessibility for all groups.
The initiative’s strength also lies in its participatory governance model, developed through a process involving over 200 citizens and 12 local entities. This process resulted in an organisational system distributing responsibilities among four stakeholders: the Municipality, the Manager, Partners, and Users, coordinated by three bodies—the Steering Committee, Participation Council, and Common Impact Assembly.
The success of this model is evident in the participatory process, which expanded the collaboration network and led to shared space management guidelines. The methodology, based on training and workshops, developed local skills, strengthened the community, and ensured sustainable management. The Nuovo Delfino thus becomes a replicable model for multifunctional space management.
In terms of physical accessibility, the intervention ensures full usability by eliminating architectural barriers and creating continuous, intuitive pathways. The building’s permeability, achieved through openings on all sides and a portico toward the park, facilitates access and promotes interaction between the interior and exterior.
Social and economic inclusion is achieved through an innovative model offering two types of membership: a standard one based on traditional fees and a "civic" one that recognises active contributions to the space’s life. This allows commitment to the common good to become a recognised form of participation. Economic sustainability is supported through a balanced mix of revenue sources, including market-based activities, institutional funding, and voluntary contributions, ensuring accessibility for all groups.
The initiative’s strength also lies in its participatory governance model, developed through a process involving over 200 citizens and 12 local entities. This process resulted in an organisational system distributing responsibilities among four stakeholders: the Municipality, the Manager, Partners, and Users, coordinated by three bodies—the Steering Committee, Participation Council, and Common Impact Assembly.
The success of this model is evident in the participatory process, which expanded the collaboration network and led to shared space management guidelines. The methodology, based on training and workshops, developed local skills, strengthened the community, and ensured sustainable management. The Nuovo Delfino thus becomes a replicable model for multifunctional space management.
The regeneration of the Nuovo Delfino is notable for centering citizen involvement throughout the entire project lifecycle, transforming traditional public consultation into a co-creation process. It began with a listening phase ("Nuovo Delfino: What Do You Think?"), which guided the successful application for the RER-RU 2021 call for proposals. This phase demonstrated the power of civic engagement and laid the groundwork for ongoing community dialogue.
The next phase featured a detailed participatory process during the construction period, turning it from a passive waiting period into an opportunity for collective growth. This process yielded both quantitative results (2,500 citizens informed, 200 attendees, 57 unique participants, 12 entities involved) and qualitative impacts:
- Creation of management guidelines reflecting the community's aspirations.
- Development of an innovative participatory governance model based on collaboration.
- Skill development in the local area through training and co-design.
- Strengthening of the local associative fabric and fostering new synergies.
- Promotion of shared responsibility for the common good.
The most significant impact of this engagement was its ability to transform physical regeneration into social innovation. The community didn't merely "consult" the project but became co-authors, shaping a governance model that ensures continued civic engagement during the operational phase. Through bodies like the Steering Committee, Participation Council, and Common Impact Assembly, citizens will continue to play an active role in decision-making and programming, ensuring the Nuovo Delfino adapts to the evolving needs of the area.
This approach represents a significant innovation in urban regeneration, showing how structured, continuous community involvement can generate benefits beyond physical space refurbishment, contributing to the creation of a more resilient and collaborative social ecosystem.
The next phase featured a detailed participatory process during the construction period, turning it from a passive waiting period into an opportunity for collective growth. This process yielded both quantitative results (2,500 citizens informed, 200 attendees, 57 unique participants, 12 entities involved) and qualitative impacts:
- Creation of management guidelines reflecting the community's aspirations.
- Development of an innovative participatory governance model based on collaboration.
- Skill development in the local area through training and co-design.
- Strengthening of the local associative fabric and fostering new synergies.
- Promotion of shared responsibility for the common good.
The most significant impact of this engagement was its ability to transform physical regeneration into social innovation. The community didn't merely "consult" the project but became co-authors, shaping a governance model that ensures continued civic engagement during the operational phase. Through bodies like the Steering Committee, Participation Council, and Common Impact Assembly, citizens will continue to play an active role in decision-making and programming, ensuring the Nuovo Delfino adapts to the evolving needs of the area.
This approach represents a significant innovation in urban regeneration, showing how structured, continuous community involvement can generate benefits beyond physical space refurbishment, contributing to the creation of a more resilient and collaborative social ecosystem.
Different stakeholders had key roles in the development of the proposal, as well as in the ongoing governance of the Nuovo Delfino. Indeed, the Municipality and its different services, specifically in the field of culture of social services, had a fundamental role in the vision of the project.
Moreover, at the regional level, the Emilia Romagna Region highly contributed to the feasibility by co-funding with the municipality the whole project through the Bando Rigenerazione Urbana 2021 to which the proposal was successful.
However, two key partners were essential to the implementation stage from a mere public-ownership structure to a co-governance community space, showing a substantial social capital to support the proposal. Those are: Fondazione Dopo Di Noi - through the constant and permanent involvement of people with disabilities and their families, it carries out activities aimed at identifying/planning/monitoring their future life model, promoting their inclusion, support and a better quality of life, also in full collaboration with public and private Services. Centro studi e lavoro La Cremeria, is a non-profit company, owned by 6 Municipalities, a training body for Education and Professional Training courses. La Cremeria has been carrying out training, orientation, research, and consultancy activities aimed at Local Authorities, Businesses and Citizens for over 30 years. La Cremeria, as a partner of the project, manages the training activity located in Nuovo Delfino, with the “Study and Work” project.
Together with the partners, numerous associations have already been involved in the process and have shown their interest and support. In the foreground is the Rio Mania Association, which for 30 years has successfully organised the festival of the same name in June, a cultural and recreational event of great appeal aimed at raising funds for charitable initiatives (700 thousand € in the last 10 years). Overall, it can count on over 100 young volunteers.
Moreover, at the regional level, the Emilia Romagna Region highly contributed to the feasibility by co-funding with the municipality the whole project through the Bando Rigenerazione Urbana 2021 to which the proposal was successful.
However, two key partners were essential to the implementation stage from a mere public-ownership structure to a co-governance community space, showing a substantial social capital to support the proposal. Those are: Fondazione Dopo Di Noi - through the constant and permanent involvement of people with disabilities and their families, it carries out activities aimed at identifying/planning/monitoring their future life model, promoting their inclusion, support and a better quality of life, also in full collaboration with public and private Services. Centro studi e lavoro La Cremeria, is a non-profit company, owned by 6 Municipalities, a training body for Education and Professional Training courses. La Cremeria has been carrying out training, orientation, research, and consultancy activities aimed at Local Authorities, Businesses and Citizens for over 30 years. La Cremeria, as a partner of the project, manages the training activity located in Nuovo Delfino, with the “Study and Work” project.
Together with the partners, numerous associations have already been involved in the process and have shown their interest and support. In the foreground is the Rio Mania Association, which for 30 years has successfully organised the festival of the same name in June, a cultural and recreational event of great appeal aimed at raising funds for charitable initiatives (700 thousand € in the last 10 years). Overall, it can count on over 100 young volunteers.
The project integrates multiple disciplines, both in its design phase and later in its implementation, ensuring a holistic and well-rounded approach to urban regeneration. The Nuovo Delfino project has drawn upon a diverse range of expertise, each contributing to different aspects of its development.
From an architectural perspective, the design process focused on repurposing the existing industrial structure while enhancing its spatial and aesthetic qualities. Urban design played a crucial role in redefining the relationship between the building and its surroundings, ensuring that the intervention improved the quality and functionality of the public space. Meanwhile, environmental and structural engineering were key to addressing both sustainability and safety concerns. Given that the site is located in a seismic zone, particular attention was paid to reinforcing the structural integrity of the building, as well as optimising its envelope for energy efficiency and environmental performance.
Beyond the physical transformation, the project also placed significant emphasis on social and governance aspects. During the implementation phase, participatory design and co-design methodologies became central to shaping the governance model and ensuring long-term community engagement. This inclusive approach allowed for the direct involvement of local stakeholders, from residents to third-sector organisations, in shaping the project's outcomes. By embedding the principles of “design for all”, the Nuovo Delfino project goes beyond conventional urban renewal, creating an accessible, user-centred space that responds to the diverse needs of the community.
This interdisciplinary approach not only enhanced the technical and functional aspects of the project but also reinforced its social and cultural impact, setting a precedent for future regeneration initiatives that seek to balance architectural innovation with collective participation and long-term sustainability.
From an architectural perspective, the design process focused on repurposing the existing industrial structure while enhancing its spatial and aesthetic qualities. Urban design played a crucial role in redefining the relationship between the building and its surroundings, ensuring that the intervention improved the quality and functionality of the public space. Meanwhile, environmental and structural engineering were key to addressing both sustainability and safety concerns. Given that the site is located in a seismic zone, particular attention was paid to reinforcing the structural integrity of the building, as well as optimising its envelope for energy efficiency and environmental performance.
Beyond the physical transformation, the project also placed significant emphasis on social and governance aspects. During the implementation phase, participatory design and co-design methodologies became central to shaping the governance model and ensuring long-term community engagement. This inclusive approach allowed for the direct involvement of local stakeholders, from residents to third-sector organisations, in shaping the project's outcomes. By embedding the principles of “design for all”, the Nuovo Delfino project goes beyond conventional urban renewal, creating an accessible, user-centred space that responds to the diverse needs of the community.
This interdisciplinary approach not only enhanced the technical and functional aspects of the project but also reinforced its social and cultural impact, setting a precedent for future regeneration initiatives that seek to balance architectural innovation with collective participation and long-term sustainability.
The innovation of the Nuovo Delfino project is reflected in three interconnected dimensions: processual, managerial, and methodological.
In terms of process, the initiative departs from the traditional sequential urban regeneration model, which separates physical redevelopment from social activation. Instead, it develops an integrated approach where the construction and management plan evolve in parallel. This synchronisation allows project decisions to be informed by community input, enhancing the effectiveness of the intervention.
The managerial innovation is evident in the creation of a multilayered governance model that goes beyond direct public management or full private delegation. The system, organised around four stakeholder categories (Municipality, Manager, Partners, Users) and three coordinating bodies (Steering Committee, Participation Council, Common Impact Assembly), represents a significant evolution from traditional public-private partnerships, incorporating civic participation into the daily management of the space.
The methodological innovation is embodied in the concept of "civic affiliation," which supplements traditional financial support by recognising active contributions to the space’s life. This shifts the user-consumer paradigm to that of a co-managing citizen, empowering the community to care for the common good.
These innovations combine to create a replicable model of urban regeneration that addresses the contemporary challenges of social and economic sustainability in public spaces. The innovation is not only in the individual elements but in their systemic integration, forming a collaborative ecosystem that evolves with the community’s needs.
Thus, the Nuovo Delfino experience represents a significant advancement in urban regeneration theory and practice, demonstrating how social innovation can be both a goal and a method for transforming public spaces.
In terms of process, the initiative departs from the traditional sequential urban regeneration model, which separates physical redevelopment from social activation. Instead, it develops an integrated approach where the construction and management plan evolve in parallel. This synchronisation allows project decisions to be informed by community input, enhancing the effectiveness of the intervention.
The managerial innovation is evident in the creation of a multilayered governance model that goes beyond direct public management or full private delegation. The system, organised around four stakeholder categories (Municipality, Manager, Partners, Users) and three coordinating bodies (Steering Committee, Participation Council, Common Impact Assembly), represents a significant evolution from traditional public-private partnerships, incorporating civic participation into the daily management of the space.
The methodological innovation is embodied in the concept of "civic affiliation," which supplements traditional financial support by recognising active contributions to the space’s life. This shifts the user-consumer paradigm to that of a co-managing citizen, empowering the community to care for the common good.
These innovations combine to create a replicable model of urban regeneration that addresses the contemporary challenges of social and economic sustainability in public spaces. The innovation is not only in the individual elements but in their systemic integration, forming a collaborative ecosystem that evolves with the community’s needs.
Thus, the Nuovo Delfino experience represents a significant advancement in urban regeneration theory and practice, demonstrating how social innovation can be both a goal and a method for transforming public spaces.
The participatory process was structured into three distinct phases, each characterised by specific objectives and tools:
The community mapping phase (September-October 2024) used a multi-tool approach, combining negotiation tables, focus groups, and thematic think tanks. This methodology allowed for updating and deepening the collective needs related to the regeneration of the former Delfino, with particular attention to recent changes.
The co-creation phase for the functional and management project (November-December 2024) implemented a methodology based on alternating training and workshop moments. This approach integrated the acquisition of technical skills with their immediate practical application in defining the project's guidelines.
The ex-ante social impact assessment phase (December 2024) used predictive impact analysis tools, combining participatory site visits, micro-design workshops, and negotiation tables. This methodology identified potential positive and negative effects on the community, developing strategies to maximise benefits and minimise risks.
The effectiveness of this methodological approach is demonstrated by both quantitative results (57 unique participants, 200 total attendees, 12 organisations involved) and qualitative outcomes (development of structured guidelines, definition of the governance model, creation of operational tools). The methodology also led to an important collateral result: the development of widespread competencies within the community in four key areas (strategic design, resource management, relational and collaborative skills, and evaluation and monitoring).
The integration of the standard design process with the participatory approach allowed for the creation of an urban regeneration model where the physical transformation of the space is coupled with a process of social innovation, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the intervention.
The community mapping phase (September-October 2024) used a multi-tool approach, combining negotiation tables, focus groups, and thematic think tanks. This methodology allowed for updating and deepening the collective needs related to the regeneration of the former Delfino, with particular attention to recent changes.
The co-creation phase for the functional and management project (November-December 2024) implemented a methodology based on alternating training and workshop moments. This approach integrated the acquisition of technical skills with their immediate practical application in defining the project's guidelines.
The ex-ante social impact assessment phase (December 2024) used predictive impact analysis tools, combining participatory site visits, micro-design workshops, and negotiation tables. This methodology identified potential positive and negative effects on the community, developing strategies to maximise benefits and minimise risks.
The effectiveness of this methodological approach is demonstrated by both quantitative results (57 unique participants, 200 total attendees, 12 organisations involved) and qualitative outcomes (development of structured guidelines, definition of the governance model, creation of operational tools). The methodology also led to an important collateral result: the development of widespread competencies within the community in four key areas (strategic design, resource management, relational and collaborative skills, and evaluation and monitoring).
The integration of the standard design process with the participatory approach allowed for the creation of an urban regeneration model where the physical transformation of the space is coupled with a process of social innovation, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the intervention.
In general, every urban regeneration process is context-based, meaning it is deeply rooted in the specific conditions of its location and, therefore, difficult to replicate exactly elsewhere. However, while the specific outcomes may be unique to each site, the methodology and key principles of standard urban design can be adapted and applied to different contexts.
For example, the analysis of local needs, the identification of site potential and emerging challenges, and the effort to balance community priorities with the goals of the Public Administration are all standardised processes that can be transferred and tailored to other locations. These steps ensure that regeneration projects respond effectively to local conditions while maintaining a structured approach to urban transformation.
In the case of Rio Saliceto, the needs and dynamics that emerged during the project may be comparable to those of other small towns within the Province of Reggio Emilia. This similarity facilitates the transferability of design strategies and best practices, allowing other municipalities to learn from the experience and apply similar methodologies in their own regeneration efforts. By doing so, the project serves as a valuable reference model for small and medium-scale urban interventions, demonstrating how thoughtful planning and participatory governance can lead to meaningful and sustainable urban transformations.
For example, the analysis of local needs, the identification of site potential and emerging challenges, and the effort to balance community priorities with the goals of the Public Administration are all standardised processes that can be transferred and tailored to other locations. These steps ensure that regeneration projects respond effectively to local conditions while maintaining a structured approach to urban transformation.
In the case of Rio Saliceto, the needs and dynamics that emerged during the project may be comparable to those of other small towns within the Province of Reggio Emilia. This similarity facilitates the transferability of design strategies and best practices, allowing other municipalities to learn from the experience and apply similar methodologies in their own regeneration efforts. By doing so, the project serves as a valuable reference model for small and medium-scale urban interventions, demonstrating how thoughtful planning and participatory governance can lead to meaningful and sustainable urban transformations.
The project is ambitious and has presented a significant challenge for the local context. However, several of the strategies implemented now represent solutions of global relevance.
First and foremost, the engagement of citizens and stakeholders—both in the initial phase of identifying local needs and later in the co-governance model—stands as a virtuous example of citizen science, aligning with EU policy on participatory decision-making and ethical co-design principles (https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/scientific-activities-z/citizen-science-eu-policies_en). This approach ensures that urban transformation is not only top-down but also shaped by the people who inhabit and interact with the space daily.
Secondly, the project’s design strategies are directly aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reinforcing its broader global significance: Goal 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities & Goal 13 – Climate Action: The depaving actions and the integration of urban greenery play a crucial role in mitigating the effects of climate change. By reducing impermeable surfaces and increasing vegetation, the project helps lower urban heat island effects, improve air quality, and enhance the overall resilience of the urban environment. Goal 3 – Good Health and Well-being: The focus on inclusive and accessible design ensures that public spaces and facilities cater to people of all ages and abilities, fostering well-being, social inclusion, and healthier lifestyles. By embedding these principles into its methodology, the Nuovo Delfino project serves as a scalable and replicable model for sustainable and inclusive urban regeneration, demonstrating how local interventions can contribute to tackling global challenges.
First and foremost, the engagement of citizens and stakeholders—both in the initial phase of identifying local needs and later in the co-governance model—stands as a virtuous example of citizen science, aligning with EU policy on participatory decision-making and ethical co-design principles (https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/scientific-activities-z/citizen-science-eu-policies_en). This approach ensures that urban transformation is not only top-down but also shaped by the people who inhabit and interact with the space daily.
Secondly, the project’s design strategies are directly aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reinforcing its broader global significance: Goal 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities & Goal 13 – Climate Action: The depaving actions and the integration of urban greenery play a crucial role in mitigating the effects of climate change. By reducing impermeable surfaces and increasing vegetation, the project helps lower urban heat island effects, improve air quality, and enhance the overall resilience of the urban environment. Goal 3 – Good Health and Well-being: The focus on inclusive and accessible design ensures that public spaces and facilities cater to people of all ages and abilities, fostering well-being, social inclusion, and healthier lifestyles. By embedding these principles into its methodology, the Nuovo Delfino project serves as a scalable and replicable model for sustainable and inclusive urban regeneration, demonstrating how local interventions can contribute to tackling global challenges.
The Municipality of Rio Saliceto is committed to an urban regeneration strategy to enhance public spaces and repurpose incongruous and underutilised buildings to improve overall urban quality.
The project aligns with the values of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) by seeking to revitalise an area that has been significantly underused in recent years (Beauty – Ambition I) as part of a broader regeneration strategy (Sustainability – Ambition III) led by the local government. In the coming years, this strategy will extend to key sites, including the former Police Headquarters, the Cultural Centre, and the soon-to-be decommissioned Social Winery.
Furthermore, the project aims to establish both physical and visual connections (Beauty – Ambition II) between the historic centre of Rio Saliceto and its more peripheral areas. This will be achieved through an integrated system of public spaces designed to foster social inclusion (Inclusion – Ambition I).
The regeneration initiative also reflects the NEB working principles, as the Municipality of Rio Saliceto not only consults residents (Ambition I) but also actively co-develops (Ambition II) an ethical and participatory process. By ensuring a multi-level, multi-stakeholder engagement approach (Ambition III), the local administration promotes interdisciplinary collaboration to encourage active community participation.
The Nuovo Delfino represents the first milestone of this broader strategy, paving the way for further regeneration and repurposing of currently underutilised or decommissioned strategic sites to create shared public value. Future development areas identified include the former Police Headquarters (for which the Municipality has recently submitted a regeneration proposal to the 2024 Urban Regeneration Bid of the Emilia-Romagna Region), the Cultural Centre Biagini, and the Social Winery.
The project aligns with the values of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) by seeking to revitalise an area that has been significantly underused in recent years (Beauty – Ambition I) as part of a broader regeneration strategy (Sustainability – Ambition III) led by the local government. In the coming years, this strategy will extend to key sites, including the former Police Headquarters, the Cultural Centre, and the soon-to-be decommissioned Social Winery.
Furthermore, the project aims to establish both physical and visual connections (Beauty – Ambition II) between the historic centre of Rio Saliceto and its more peripheral areas. This will be achieved through an integrated system of public spaces designed to foster social inclusion (Inclusion – Ambition I).
The regeneration initiative also reflects the NEB working principles, as the Municipality of Rio Saliceto not only consults residents (Ambition I) but also actively co-develops (Ambition II) an ethical and participatory process. By ensuring a multi-level, multi-stakeholder engagement approach (Ambition III), the local administration promotes interdisciplinary collaboration to encourage active community participation.
The Nuovo Delfino represents the first milestone of this broader strategy, paving the way for further regeneration and repurposing of currently underutilised or decommissioned strategic sites to create shared public value. Future development areas identified include the former Police Headquarters (for which the Municipality has recently submitted a regeneration proposal to the 2024 Urban Regeneration Bid of the Emilia-Romagna Region), the Cultural Centre Biagini, and the Social Winery.
