La adaptación de las ciudades históricas al cambio climático. Ferrara (Italia)

This contribution presents the results of research conducted by the Italian National Association of Historic and Artistic Centres (ANCSA) from 2019 to 2020 to assist the Municipality of Ferrara in developing the European project Protecth2save. The research includes a Masterplan and guidelines aimed at adapting the historic center of this renowned Renaissance city, designated as a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1995, to address challenges posed by heavy rainfall and heat waves. The Masterplan emphasizes the importance of defining urban and environmental solutions that align with the city's existing historical heritage. This project represents a pioneering effort in Italy, as it is the first initiative of its kind aimed at adapting a historic center. The research outlines multi-scale actions that not only protect but also enhance the entire historic area – rather than focusing solely on individual monuments – by reorganizing streets, squares, and green spaces. The proposed interventions are designed to be in harmony with the morphological structure of the historic settlement. The research assisted public administration in making decisions regarding the removal of paving from urban squares and the drafting of the city’s new urban plan.