From urban renewal to urban regeneration: Classification criteria for urban interventions. Turin 1995–2015: evolution of planning tools and approaches

Abstract

European cities have been affected by urban regeneration interventions in the last few decades, spanning a variety of different types and with different outcomes. This paper describes and analyses possible classification criteria for urban regeneration interventions in order to reach a better understanding of urban regeneration policies and their consequences. A review of the literature on urban regeneration classification criteria reveals that urban regeneration interventions have gradually shifted from being place oriented to being people oriented. In view of this, this paper presents a paradigmatic case study of urban regeneration. The urban transformation of the city of Turin, in northern Italy, from 1995 to 2015 clearly shows the existence of three generations of neighbourhood transformations. The first generation involved mainly physical improvement operations in the area of Spina 2. The second was characterised by social and economic support, as in the regeneration of the historic neighbourhood of San Salvario. Finally, the third generation presented an integrated approach, as in the management of the Urban II programme for the area of Mirafiori Nord, leading to a more contemporary, holistic approach.