BERGAMO2035. A new Urban Concept. A model for mid-size european cities

Bergamo 2.035 is in fact a specific instance of application of this vision to a well-defined territory, taking into account the city’s distinctive features, its size and its relationship with surrounding areas, its cultural and productive vocations; in short all those aspects that make each single territory “unique”. This research program ultimately aims at enhancing the quality of life of an urban community. The goal may sound anachronistic in a period of economic stagnation, when general prospects of medium to-long-term development appear very modest. Yet, such inconsistency is only apparent, when one considers that the notion of welfare incorporates issues that have to do with social balance and environmental sustainability, with themes that involve ethics and even aesthetics. All these are of course favourably affected by sustained income growth, yet to some extent they may be quite independent from it. In times of crisis such issues may advocate values that are even more essential than economic growth itself.