History, plans and projects for public space regeneration: the role of the Walls

The research 'Italy and China. Historic infrastructure and ecological networks for an integrated urban regeneration strategy', by the PDTA of Sapienza University of Rome, analysed the relevance of historical-environmental components as reference strategies to trigger urban regeneration interventions dealt with the theme of marginality, integration between different functions and uses of public space and generating unexpected and inter-scalar synergies. Public spaces marked by the presence of linear historical permanences (walls, aqueducts) are characterised by a static/dynamic dual aspect of marginality and centrality: marginality because although maintaining an intrinsic, static, value of memory, they often suffer from neglect and degradation; centrality because the dynamic dimension of the spatial trend characterises their signs as a true 'skeleton' in constant dialogue with urban environment.