Forest and Architecture. Strategie di convivenza e cooperazione possibili

The convergence of urban and ecological challenges necessitates a profound integration of ecological considerations into urban planning and architectural disciplines. The ongoing experience within the PRIN project, “The Right Tree in the Right Town,” aims to address the inherent ambiguities in urban forestry. This project demonstrates the necessity for multidisciplinary collaboration among various professionals to bridge the gap between fragmented knowledge and the complex, interconnected nature of contemporary problems. This publication examines urban forestry interventions proposed by Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) in Naples and Palermo, assessing their spatial impacts and proposing strategies to steer urban transformations toward sustainable solutions. The Italian landscape faces significant challenges, characterized by alarming changes in land use, urban densification, and rural abandonment, leading to the emergence of inaccessible wilderness. The rigid criteria of the PNRR risk creating fragmented green spaces that may not effectively integrate with the urban fabric, potentially limiting their accessibility and utility. In contrast, supporting flexible, community-oriented approaches, this publication argues for the efficacy of integrated and participatory strategies in enhancing urban sustainability and resilience. The case study of Ponticelli in Naples underscores the complexities and potential risks of implementing large-scale urban forestry projects, highlighting the necessity of community involvement and meticulous long-term planning. Recognizing that urban forestry presents a multifaceted solution to contemporary urban challenges, offering environmental, social, and economic benefits, it is deemed essential to advocate for a shift towards sustainable and inclusive practices that view trees as integral, dynamic components of the urban environment. Such an approach fosters positive, enduring interactions and cooperation, ensuring that urban forestry effectively contributes to the sustainability and resilience of urban spaces.