Tracks

Track01 | Territorial actions/transformations_ Strategic visions/policy analysis and systemic transformation in the supra-urban territory

In recent years, the concept of territory has regained centrality in spatial discourse—not only as a physical or administrative space, but as a relational and dynamic construct, shaped by social, cultural and political processes (Massey 2005). This track invites critical reflection on cases of transformation of non-urban, rural, peripheral, and cross-border areas, which are often structurally fragile and symbolically marginalised.

Rural and peripheral areas face significant challenges, including depopulation, ageing populations, geographic dispersion, economic disparities, limited access to essential services, and inadequate infrastructure. While these issues affect the general population, they disproportionately impact specific demographic groups such as youth, the elderly, and persons with disabilities—and affect women in a transversal way, particularly those with care responsibilities.

Territorial regeneration today requires going beyond sectoral policies. It must embrace integrated and inclusive models that consider environmental, social, cultural, and gender dimensions, and that strengthen spatial justice, territorial cohesion, and the right to inhabit. As outlined in the Long-Term Vision for the EU’s Rural Areas (European Commission 2021), building a stronger, connected, resilient and prosperous future for all territories calls for place-based, multi-level, and participatory approaches, especially in the face of growing territorial divides.

In this sense, regeneration is also about re-signifying places, restoring connections, and activating collective knowledge. Territories must be understood as living environments, where local communities become protagonists of care, innovation and social reproduction. Rural and marginal areas can become laboratories for new models of development that are more just equitable and ecologically aware.

However, both at the Italian and European level, there are more and more situations of re-appropriation of abandoned land by small communities (De Rossi 2018). These situations demonstrate a possible way forward and make us question how local initiatives can be extended to regional and state level.

We welcome contributions that explore how territories—especially those considered marginal or in crisis—can be or already have been reimagined as spaces of experimentation, innovation, resilience, and transformation.

Proposals may include theoretical reflections, territorial analyses, methodological frameworks, or case studies.

Track02 | Urban actions/transformations_Sustainable projects/strategies for the future city

The evolution of contemporary cities represents a crucial focal point in academic and professional discourse (Venturi, Izenour & Scott Brown 1972), given the pressing challenges of accelerated urbanization, environmental crises, and the imperative to promote sustainable and resilient development.

More than ever, urban environments are being conceived as dynamic laboratories for architectural and urban experimentation, where regeneration policies, technological innovation, and active civic participation contribute to the redefinition of the urban fabric and its socio-spatial structures. It seems essential to promote and disseminate best practices that can be adapted to diverse urban contexts. So, this track invites critical reflection on cases of transformation inside cities, or in the relation between cities and their landscapes.

A particularly significant contribution to the debate on the city as a space for experimentation was provided by the Venice Biennale 2023, titled The Laboratory of the Future, which once again embraces the theme of the future. The event emphasized the socio-environmental contingencies that define our time, underscoring the necessity of rethinking urban development through models capable of adapting to climate change, economic transformations, and social shifts.
Taking into consideration this peculiar example, the most significant experiences will be selected to highlight the importance of cross-sectoral engagement, demonstrating that, in addition to architects and urban planners, the contributions of ecologists and technologists are indispensable. Urban transformations over recent decades have demonstrated that the future of cities depends on their ability to integrate innovation, sustainability, and social inclusion. However, significant challenges persist, particularly considering the climate crisis and growing economic inequalities.

Considering the importance and complexity of this topic, the selection will address the contribution by answering the following themes/questions.

Territory investigation practices: How can land study and analysis practices be improved to be more useful for enhancing the quality of the urban and non-urban landscape and their relationship?

Reorganization and regeneration of public spaces: how can abandoned or crisis-impacted public spaces be reimagined as inclusive hubs that foster social cohesion and resilience?

Heritage-nature symbiosis: how can cities transform cultural heritage and degraded ecosystems into regenerative assets to adapt to climate change? How can the more natural and the heavily man-made areas be restored to a dialogue and coexistence?

Spatial equity: how can urban transformation projects prioritize spatial equity for vulnerable groups within urban environments?

The cases may be analysed and presented both from a methodological and historical point of view and a morphological-compositional ones.

Track03 | Design actions/transformations_Site-specific design experiments

In the face of pressing global challenges, including the climate change crisis and structural issues within society, design has increasingly moved beyond aesthetic form, becoming a strategic tool for addressing complex contemporary problems. Design actions are now regarded as a key driving force in promoting social transformation, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion.

Over the past decade, design practices have demonstrated remarkable adaptability and foresight. Whether through fostering community engagement, enhancing public well-being, or exploring new materials, processes, and collaborative models, design has shown its capacity for meaningful intervention across diverse contexts.

In this evolving landscape, emerging technologies are also reshaping how we work. Artificial Intelligence and Large Language Models (LLMs) are no longer just technical aids—they are becoming active parts of the design process.
These systems influence how we frame problems, imagine futures, and make decisions. We invite contributions that explore how these tools are changing not only the way we design, but also the way we think. What happens when we co-design with AI? What does it mean for creativity, responsibility, and authorship in spatial practices?

This track focuses on how design actions as a mechanism of transformation in today’s global landscape. From design practice to systematic research-driven approaches. We are expecting contributions that highlight interdisciplinary collaboration, civic participation, and cross-cultural perspectives. Exploring how design can integrate technological innovation, social engagement, and cultural values to build more resilient, equitable, and imaginative pathways for the future.

In the process of exploring how design can drive social transformation, equity should be considered a central and indispensable issue.

Design equity goes beyond aesthetic considerations; it must be achieved through concrete strategies that respond to the needs of marginalized groups and the multiplicity of contemporary lifestyles. This reflection on equity urges a shift from design that serves the mainstream to inclusive practices that aim to serve everyone.

We therefore also encourage contributions that reflect on design equity as a critical lens, and that present outstanding practices using design as a tool to enhance social inclusion, support participatory engagement, and challenge dominant spatial norms.
These reflections can further enrich the discussion on how design shapes a more just and resilient future.