Art as a tool for Urban Regeneration in Magna Graecia site (Catanzaro Lido, IT) - MSc reCity

Cities of Tomorrow | Urban Challenges Art as a tool for urban regeneration in Magna Graecia site at Catanzaro Lido.

Dissertation project by Athanasia Panagiotidi, Urban and Spatial Planner and Developer, AUTH, Greece | MSc in City Regeneration (reCity EJMC) Tutor: Tatiana Ruchinskaya, Dip Arch., University of Cambridge

reCity European Joint Master Course in City Regeneration ed. 2012-2014 | Fisd Consortium

ABSTRACT The present study seeks to introduce art as a new tool for the sustainable development of Catanzaro Lido in Calabria (IT) and specifically provide ways in which art can act as an ideology hub from which people receive information and guidance towards a sustainable future.

The methods used for the study draw on a) the collection of literature on the social values of art, citizens participation, production of art, public space significance and international best practice examples, b) analysis of the study area, statistical cultural data and public consultation with the residents, c) identification of needs and problems within the study area, d) conduction of a strategy to face the obstacles identified for sustainable development, and e) implementation of a design proposal that reflects the aim set in this project.

The cultural development within Catanzaro Lido district is inextricably linked to the socioeconomic conditions within the urban area, which currently are not considered to be ideal for the development of the area.

In order to address this problem, the arts sector is selected in order to initiate through actions within public space, a process where art is open, participatory and immediate, reflects the city’s problematics, creates new relationships between people, art and space and provokes thought and dialogue among community members for a common vision towards sustainability.

Through an art led strategy in which multilevel networks of collaboration are flourishing in benefit of the community, it is possible to create a cultural laboratory where local culture is reflected and ideas of sustainability are attributed in the form of paintings, theatrical plays, sculptures, dance and music. In this way, high level of public engagement is generated, able to form the new social and economic landscape within the community of Catanzaro Lido.

INTRODUCTION LITERATURE REVIEW

The literature review identifies that art can influence the urban imaginary and contribute to sustainable development through its integration into aspects of everyday life, establishing community belonging and collective thinking on the problematics that cities today face.

The international examples presented, are used in order to stress the significance of a) creative and art-led initiatives within the urban regeneration processes, and b) the way art can engage and support the improvement of communities which confront challenges related with mixed social backgrounds, social disparities, environmental and economic degradation.

This input helps extracting information on successful policies and actions that could be applied in the study area.

Village of Arts and Humanities, USA

Favela Museum, Brasil

Echigo Tsumari Art Field, Japan

Projects in Catanzaro

IMPORTANT LITERATURE ASPECTS CONISDERED IN THIS STUDY

Resolution on Culture and Sustainable Development (2013) _Culture as the 4th pillar for Sustainable Development _‘culture is both an enabler and driver of sustainable development’

Cultural activities and Space Cities of Tomorrow, EU Report (2011) _need for integrated policies that meet the cities’ particular circumstances.

_ space: the general context where people live, work, produce and evolve. _Art can be promoted in all its forms through various types of spaces, e.g. through the cultural hubs within the urban area that could be cultural centers, galleries, music halls, theaters, art academies, etc, as well as through public open space.

6th World Summit on Arts and Culture (2014) _ culture is a link to art, urban regeneration and public participation _ ‘need for multiple experimentation’

Definitions of culture _beliefs, customs, traditions, art _cultivation of a person, development of taste, critical perception and judgement

Public Art _ open, accessible art _powerful tool for raising awareness, transforming a landscape or mentality inviting people to comprehend, produce or participate in art-making outdoors. _can lead to social cohesion among viewers themselves.

Value and offer of art _ reflects on problematics and helps man become more human. _Society is in need of artists and demands their presence as actors of social change, etc.

Creative Placemaking & Citizens Initiatives Impact of art in community (study from University of Illinois, Chicago (2012) _communication, sense of community, friendship, negotiating, decision-making. _public engagement through consumption or production of art.

_ planners and artists work as facilitators _ art builds character and quality of place and is a fundamental contributor to community sustainability, it has the power to encourage citizens’ initiatives (CIs). _CIs: hybrid in which citizens take the lead but collaborate with public authorities/ empowerment, education, reduction of the reliance of individuals and social organizations on state bureaucracies.

HYPOTHESIS Art contributes to the sustainable development of Catanzaro Lido and acts as an ideology hub from which people receive information and guidance towards a sustainable future.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS In what level does Catanzaro Lido take into consideration the benefits deriving from culture and arts orientation within the community?

How can citizens of Catanzaro Lido be engaged effectively when it comes to urban regeneration projects, and be transformed to the ‘new urban thinkers’, promoters and producers of art?

SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY RE-IMAGINING the cityscape in terms of artistic and cultural values MOTIVATION for citizens and authorities to invest in Catanzaro Lido’s unexplored potentials.

NEW FOCUS for the official urban development plans of Catanzaro.

‘CULTURAL’ MODEL adaption and increase of interest for a city that can achieve international recognition.

CATANZARO LIDO

Catanzaro City Germanetto Lamezia Terme SS280

Selia Marina Crotone

SS106

Catanzaro Lido

OBJECTIVES a) Regenerating a central recreational site based on an artistic and culture led approach b) Providing ways to reinforce the visibility of local cultural hubs c) Motivating people to produce and encourage art as a means of sustainable development within the community, and d) Promoting the collaboration among a wide range of groups (public, private, residents, authorities, etc).

Squillace Reggio Calabria

STUDY & ANALYSIS The Study & Analysis investigates whether the study area of Magna Graecia site _has the potential to function as a public space that is suitable for encouraging participation and production of art _is supported by the cultural conditions in the district that would enable that type of development.

Magna Graecia site

Highway SS 106

Magna Graecia site in Catanzaro Lido (Calabria), is a multifunctional area that hosts annually cultural events including music, film festivals and traditional markets (Wikimapia, 2014).

During the past, Magna Graecia site was home of gipsy population residing in Catanzaro Lido.

The site is situated among the main transport hubs of the area that connect Catanzaro Lido to the north and the rest of the territory. It is surrounded by residence, commerce and agricultural areas.

Railway (local network)

Railway (regional network)

SECONDARY DATA & CONCLUSIONS Reduction of young population Youth inclusion issues

€

Low expenditure in recreation & culture Lack of cultural infrastructure High presence of immigrants Social cohesion, diversity & tolerance issues Cultural professions ‘migration’ Discouragement of innovation & development

Surrounding urban elements

PUBLIC CONSULTATION Through the survey and interviews with residents of Catanzaro Lido there was an attempt to a) observe whether residents identify the site of Magna Graecia among the basic cultural elements that characterize Catanzaro Lido. b) identify areas of improvement within the city in order to form a part of the current image of Catanzaro. c) obtain data related to citizen’s level of satisfaction regarding the role of the site as an existing cultural pole within the area.

Insights

Lungomare (Seaside) Culinary experience Magna Graecia site neglected Disconnectivity Mentality of the South

PROBLEMS IDENTIFIED Catanzaro is a city with three faces developed along a diverse geomorphological pattern that consists of hills, valley and coast (Catanzaro Lido).

In combination with the lack of multilevel connections between the coastal area and the hinterland, the urban sprawl phenomenon acts as an obstacle to the balanced function of the existing land use in Catanzaro urban area.

Magna Graecia site is considered as an isolated public space with lack of effective management related to its historical significance, design and use.

DIAGNOSIS High mobility flows Extensive private car use & pollution Disconnected green and public spaces Unequal distribution of local cultural hubs Magna Graecia site’s potential as a cultural pole Link towards cultural institutions in local, regional and international level Lack of spatial and interpersonal relations

STRATEGY The Strategy identifies four main priorities that guide the process of this urban regeneration study and design proposal: Engagement, Space Provision, Communication and Recognition.

The four strategies attempt to bring together the existing cultural institutions with the residents and planning authorities, in order to encourage the development of a holistic urban

ENGAGEMENT Public Consultation & Research Group Involvement of citizens in Urban Plans (’Creativity&Culture’) Production of academic material on local art&culture

Arts Library

Local production of art & exhibitions

Art Programmes

Raise awareness on sustainability/ Provide guidelines

Digital Platforms

Information exchange & discussion (citizens/authorities/cultural hubs)

Review of cultural activities

Flexible cultural activities for all social groups

Urban Festivals

regeneration approach for Catanzaro, that would consider the current city’s problems, praise local art and culture while bringing economic benefits for the community and region.

SPACE PROVISION Equal distribution of cultural activities Transfer of cultural activities towards Catanzaro Lido

Revival of Magna Graecia site’s cultural role Cultural Laboratory (Cultural Lab) Shipping container architecture Functional green spaces Parking space Reuse of abandoned structures (Observatory tower) Space for dissemination of urban sustainability through art

Stimulation of community life

COMMUNICATION Information campaigns (on art & urban regeneration) | Arts Network Promotion of sustainable ideologies through art (Marca Museum, Conservatory, Academy of Fine Arts, Art Schools, Archaeological Park of Scolacium, Ubik bookshop, Center of Solidarity, Cultural Lab) Enhancement of cultural hubs visibility

Addressing city problems through artistic landscapes| Urban Planning Group Pop-up cultural and artistic activities in public space Public art installations Showcase of artworks in Catanzaro Lido’s indoor recreational or commerce spaces Posters & Newspaper publishing

RECOGNITION Local artworks publications & promotion Grants Crowdfunding Ideas Competitions

Networking among Calabrian cities

Magna Graecia Cultural Network - link to art and culture initiatives between the past cities comprising Magna Graecia

DESIGN PROPOSAL The transformation of Magna Graecia site into a Cultural Laboratory (Cultural Lab) is proposed to adjust to a rather irregular plan, facilitating the function of shipping container architecture and reflecting the tendency of humans for spontaneous planning and construction.

However, within the context of the Cultural Lab the irregular distribution of the new spaces aims at bringing forward positive effects through the mix and thus the stimulation of encounter, experimentation and interaction between the activities taking place and the users.

The regeneration proposal is enhanced by a communication strategy that provides the initial step to inform in an alternative and immediate way the citizens of Catanzaro Lido about the problems the district faces as well as show that local art resources can be used creatively in order to trigger emotion, curiosity, reaction and generate behavioral change based on sustainable guidelines.

Magna Graecia site

encounter experimentation interaction synthesis

production

on city problematics

Arts Space

workshops

Arts Library discussion reflection vizualization

Arts Network

Community Space

Knowledge Space

seminars experience sharing

recreation

CATANZARO LIDO

SUSTAINABLE CULTURAL SOCIAL

LANDSCAPE

Shipping container Architecture

Landmark- The Observatory

TRANSFORMATION OF NEGLECTED URBAN ELEMENTS- PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE TOWER CREATIVE REUSE AS AN OBSERVATORY MAGNA GRAECIA SITE

REUSED MATERIAL SHIPPING CONTAINER ARCHITECTURE INTERACTION BETWEEN USERS AND SPACE SUSTAINABLE IDEOLOGIES CIRCULATION MAGNA GRAECIA SITE

COMMUNICATION ACTIVITY The communication activity introduces art as a tool for transmitting sustainability ideas through public space activity that focuses on the use of local art resources such as painting, sculpture, theater, music, etc.

The ideas and views conveyed through the conduction of outdoor artistic activities, could function as an enlightening guide through the cities’ current conditions, problems and potentials.

The communication outputs can consist of a historical record that embraces the broader social picture of daily life in the history evolving in Catanzaro Lido.

Stakeholders: 1. Art institutes and organizations.

2. Freelance artists.

3. Schools.

4. Local and regional authorities.

5. Citizens.

Representatives or intermediaries between the stakeholders are the Urban Planning Group in cooperation with a lead contact within the cultural hubs of Catanzaro.

Potentially the type of relations formed through the communication activity can lead to the enhancement of collaboration among a wide range of actors and citizens

DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE (REGION OF CALABRIA)

MUNICIPALITY LOCAL ART INSTITUTES & ORGANIZATIONS

URBAN PLANNING GROUP (UPG)

CITIZENS

CULTURAL HUBS

SCHOOLS

FREELANCE ARTISTS

Public space activity:Drawing

ARTS SCHOOL

UPG

UPG WEEK 2

WEEK 1

Identification of participating groups

Mapping

Outdoor exhibition & Questionaire

Information

Outdoor activity

Discussion

WEEK 3

WEEK 4

Field Study

Design and public engagement process: STEP 1: Definition and Invitation of participating groups.

STEP 2: Information on the art-led regeneration proposal for Magna Graecia site.

STEP 3: Field study-Identification of certain parts for intervention and Definition of problems.

STEP 4: Mapping of intervention areas.

STEP 5: On site drawing activity.

STEP 6: Outdoor exhibition, promotion in cafeterias, bookshops, etc. and use of Questionnaire.

STEP 7: Discussion at the Cultural Lab, public space or occupation of sites for this specific purpose.

Activity implemented by: _students of Fine Arts Academy _Arts high school _Urban Planning Group

EXAMPLE OF MAPPING PROBLEMS IN THE CITY AFTER FIELD STUDY Source: Google Maps, 2014; Own elaboration.

Area ‘Magna Grecia’ Porto

Ponte

Disegno 1 WHAT DO YOU PERCEIVE?

Piazza Dogana Accessibilità Ambiente Uso

Accessibilità Ambiente

Accessibilità Ambiente Uso

Disegno 2 HOW COULD IT BE?

Uso Ambiente

HOW DO YOU IMAGINE CATANZARO LIDO OF TOMORROW?

Traffic congestion and private car use consists of an ongoing phenomenon in the district of Catanzaro Lido.

The images represent the extent of the problem through a critical view of an individual.

EXAMPLE OF ART PRODUCTION FOR CATANZARO LIDO’S DIAGNOSED PROBLEMS

‘Acrobats in the city’ No efficient pedestrian infrastructure | Lack of choices for a more balanced pedestrian experience

‘Do we need Christmas magic?’

Alternative mobility promotion project | Sets the question if we need to believe in the unbelievable, in order to achieve sustainable lifestyles.

‘The Car City’ Extensive car use phenomenon | Multiple problems of traffic congestions & pollution

CONCLUSIONS Need for a holistic approach within the Strategic Plan of Catanzaro.

Lack of effective Cultural Policy.

Not optimum use of existing cultural resources.

Need for new cultural spaces.

Need for citizen’s engagement and city-wide collaboration networks.

Lack of efficient communication strategies.

Lack of further environmental, social & anthropological studies.

RECOMMENDATIONS CITIZENS

SCHOOLS

Should take opportunities to participate in public consultation schemes & campaigns.

Should promote from early age the notion of sustainability through art and programs.

Should be open to experimentation.

Citizens aware of collective thinking and action.

Should fulfill their role as drivers of urban change.

LOCAL ART COMMUNITY

MUNICIPALITY

Provide diverse cultural activities embracing all social groups.

Should encourage the involvement of the community in urban development plans through the establishment of groups and online platforms that will empower the voice of citizens.

Promote thought provoking artworks on city’s problematics.

Should provide funding for local art competitions.

Enhance citizen’s initiatives through sharing art-led regeneration experiences.

Should address efficient ways to distribute the municipal financial resources in order to create spaces for culture, that would enable professionals contribution into the cultural sector.

Should establish its role as actor of social change

REGION Should promote collaboration between Calabrian cities through the establishment of networks that will bring together the history, memories, traditions and art of the South.

Should establish the Magna Graecia cultural network that would foster the region as a new point for culture and art production, creating a competitive advantage for the region and further economic development.

PLANNERS Should see themselves as facilitators stimulating diverse forms of dialogue, artistic expression and interaction with their collaborators.

vision ‘Catanzaro Lido, the coastal part of Catanzaro in South Italy, is a traditional Calabrian coastal urban settlement that has managed to integrate through art the diverse social realities (hill, valley and coast) that for years had kept behind the holistic development of the area.

The new artistic networks born within Magna Graecia and spread throughout the city in combination with the regeneration

projects on efficient mobility, public space connections and heritage recuperation, has led to the development of a european standard urban settlement that is aware of its history and Mediterranean nature, embraces diversity and multiculturalism, and uses art and culture as a weapon against the various forms of power. It is a city that has chosen a collective path towards success and urban prosperity’.

Formed by the input of local people’s thoughts and reflection on what they would like for Catanzaro in the future.

Whatever stimulates man to create new visions, is constructive, whatever restricts the horizon of thoughts is destructive.

Karolos Koun, ‘We play theatre for our soul’