IAP peer-review workshop and study visit in Italy

The workshop took place in the facilities of the prestigious Malatestiana Library and was designed and facilitated by KAIRÓS lead expert Miguel Rivas together with URBACT ad-hoc expert Mirna Karzen. Besides the presentations by each partner team, an effective role-playing modality was introduced that required active participation of all partners in assessing and reflecting on the pros and cons of their respective IAPs.

In the context of Cesena’s presentation, the presence of a group of high school students collaborating in some of the IAP integrated actions and contributing constructive new perspectives certainly made for a welcome fresh approach. As a final touch the Cesena team had organised a short walking tour along some of the city’s emblematic heritage sites, crowned with a visit of the imposing Abbey of St. Maria del Monte offering a magnificent view over the city.

Next on the schedule was a study visit to Bologna as a paradigm for well-managed and highly participatory heritage-driven urban regeneration and the adaptive reuse for contemporary ends. Jointly organised by the municipal Culture and City Promotion Department and the Foundation for Urban Innovation backed by the University of Bologna, the group visited key heritage sites, top-notch interactive technology presentations, and urban living labs featuring social integration projects in e.g. a large vacated industrial heritage venue or an abandoned historic villa overlooking the city.

At all stops along the visit, experts gave explanatory talks and entered in lively conversations with the partners.  

Everybody received many new and enriching inputs which will help to fine-tune our Integrated Actions Plans.