Riverscape Valorisation Project: Strategies and Principles - The Sangone Case Study

The paper presents a multidisciplinary project relating to the implementation of the first experience in the Province of Turin (Region of Piedmont) of the Sangone River Basin Contract, i.e. a voluntary pact between public and private actors involved in the management and use of water resources. The aim of the pact was to promote participation, environmental, landscape and territorial valorisation of the river belt. The multidisciplinary approach we adopted involved urban planning, landscape ecology, and urban and architectural design. It allowed the definition of integrated visions directed towards promoting sustainability and overcoming the current critical aspects of the "Sangone Territory" such as the poor quality of the river habitat, functional and hydrogeological problems, the degraded, disused areas along the river, and urban borders. Our multidisciplinary discussion involving landscape and territorial planning, urban design and architectural design resulted in the definition of the masterplan vision and the projects of the specific sites. The project promotes restoration of the river, preservation of its ecological integrity, enhancement of river territory heritage and improvement of the use of the river as a site of integrated activities, upgrading of its economic, social, cultural value and appeal. The study addresses a new model of settlement and building typology, considering the idea of an integrated methodology aimed at improving sustainability and lifestyles. These models can be considered applicable to similar case studies at international level.