Designing joyful cities. The role of technology, participatory planning, and sustainable urban design in fostering social cohesion

The central theme of this contribution lies in the transformative role of technology and participatory design within urban regeneration processes, with a particular focus on issues of sustainability and social cohesion. The primary objective is to examine how an organic and multidisciplinary approach can contribute to the shaping of urban spaces that promote collective well-being, spatial justice, and social inclusion. Through a deductive methodology based on the analysis of participatory practices and empathetic design (Cleckley, 2024), the study highlights strategies adopted to strengthen community interaction and foster a sense of belonging among citizens. A significant portion of the discussion is devoted to the benefits associated with the environmental and social impacts of urban regeneration, including the positive outcomes resulting from the integration of multifunctional spaces and public green areas—such as the reduction of air pollution and a targeted focus on strategies for mitigating the effects of climate change. The analysis of international case studies underscores and systematizes the foundational principles informing specific decisions aligned with an approach in which urban regeneration serves as a conduit for the multiscalar, and multidisciplinary integration of strategies aimed at sustainability, participation, and collective well-being. The use of technology is examined as a tool that serves both people and the environment, contributing to the development of resilient, sustainable, and thriving cities. This is explored through the lens of environmental impact monitoring and climate change mitigation, offering an interpretative framework for the sustainable governance of urban settlements and territories.