Now many big projects are often conceived as islands. This is not enough. No matter if operating in luxury or in more popoular markets: relationships between new interventions and the pre-existing urban environment are necessary to keep the spirit and value of city life. Instead of few big plans, dense series of co-ordinated urban acts, driven by administrations – in dialogue with many architects and locals – can prevent gentrification and excess.
Now, authors of masterplans are often the same subjects who will carry out all the projects. I think masterplans should work as frames (with some tolerances and flexibility) and, inside frames, many players should play their roles: more architects, more construction Companies, more purchasers. Obviously, that requires more preparation and great courage by authorities and public offices, called to drive transformation, instead af being driven by it. But that could be closer to real needs of users and maximize the impact on local economies.
Marco Valerio Agretti, Architect
marco valerio Agretti Architetto, Italy
This contribution is part of our ongoing survey “TOO MUCH? What is just enough?” where we collect personal reflections on excess and balance in life, architecture and design. We are gathering diverse, thought-provoking answers that will help shape future discussions and content.
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