The aim of the "Città Ticino"“ analysis is to develop new instruments for improving the quality of public spaces and to encourage cooperation between universities and administration departments. In doing so, the "territorial design" instrument, which has to be developed, is being implemented on a theoretical, practical and didactical level.
Background
The concept of a public space is to be extended to empty and surplus land in developed areas, to transport infrastructures from footpaths to motorways, to undeveloped areas and woodland. In this way, the concept of a public space will then be understood as a concept which embraces the whole landscape. The project is exploring three territorial units as follows:
1. The area along the Ticino river: the valley with the three main centres of Biasca, Bellinzona and Locarno.
2. The Ceresio basin: developed areas and the valleys of the Vedeggio and Cassarate rivers.
3. The Insubria-Mendrisio-Chiasso triangle: the developed area of Mendrisio-Chiasso as part of the cross-border area of Como-Varese and with traffic flows to and from Milano-Malpensa airport.
Aim
Design is understood to be a research instrument which will have an effect on planning, landscape architecture, urban development and architecture. Particular attention is given to the design of public spaces.
The procedure is organised into five sections as follows:
1. Information: collection of historic, cartographical, iconographic and statistical information;
2. Analysis: study of the landscape of the canton of Ticino;
3. Characterisation: identification of different regions and definition of individual areas;
4. Design study: planning and design;
5. Publication of guidelines and recommendations: on the basis of the results of the design study, theoretical guidelines and strategic and planning recommendations for communal and regional levels are compiled.
Significance
By determining criteria, processes, methods and instruments, the project makes an essential contribution towards improving the quality of the public spaces of the “Città Ticino“ and is leading to a new concept for public spaces. Public administration is involved in the research process. Publishing the results will serve as reference material for the teaching of urban and spatial planning and shall make a contribution to implementing the findings.
Original title: Urban and landscape design – public spaces in the "Città Ticino" of tomorrow
Grant: CHF 533'401.-
Duration: 36 months
Project leader
- Prof. Michele Arnaboldi, USI, Accademia di architettura di Mendrisio