The Strategic Planning of Historical Centres.

The binomial historical centres/metropolitan areas can be faced by a Strategie Pian, considered as a "portfolio" of integrated projects on which the resources, competence and work of several actors shall be converged. The matters about the complex and difficult relation between historical centres and urban areas, under discussion for some years, shouldn't be faced in a fragmented way. The envisaged problems could find consistent replies only if they are seen in their right dimension, by considering an adequate mix of factors. As consequence of that, the problems about historical centres should find a solution by comparing them with their related territorial, economic, functional and cultural ambits. For a long time, the historical centres have been deeply investigated by approving important documents targeted to define the problem coordinates and valences, as well as to address the intervention's guiding principles. Beside, it has been stressed how historical centres cannot be separated from the wider settlement ambits they belong to and from the economic and social development they are related to. Lately, urban question, processes of uncontrolled growth, possible forms of governance and contributions given by possible subjects/actors have been more stressed. From that assumption, the historical centres/metropolitan areas combination cannot be considered as a heavy dilemma but as a challenge. I think, in fact, that a new approach to the question has arisen, which has changed the co-ordinates of the problem. The new Strategic Plans allow to see the problem under a new point of view and to build proper tools for a territorial and urban development that takes cultural heritage into account. A Strategic Plan can define a "portfolio" of prioritized integrated projects on which the resources, competence and work of several actors shall be converged. Therefore, we can consider it as a catalyst and multiplier of complementary initiatives leading to overcome difficult relations and to help safeguard and exploit historical centres.