Analysis and Evaluation of Mobility Solutions and Targeted Interventions to Support the Urban Regeneration of the Canal Port of Rimini

Abstract

The Canal Port of Rimini is a great historical and cultural relevance site representing an urban landmark for the city. Given its strategic position, important architectural monuments have been built around the canal over the past centuries. Together with the conformation of the canal itself, which crosses the city, these elements led to some criticalities in terms of accessibility and mobility efficiency in the area, that are often not adequate to the current needs. Transportation comfort is a fundamental prerogative to implement sustainable mobility solutions. As part of the European Interreg project “FRAMESPORT”, which aims at the global and sustainable growth of minor ports of the Adriatic Sea, this contribution presents a detailed analysis of the area to detect the criticalities that hinder the urban regeneration of the Canal Port of Rimini. The analysis method adopted is based on the data collection, carried out with the stakeholders' involvement, to elaborate a participatory project responding to users' needs. The survey provides a detailed overview of the urban and historical-cultural context and shows the relationship between the Canal Port, the environment, and its infrastructures. The research aims to demonstrate that re-shaping the existing transport network – which represents a key role in the interconnection and continuity of the urban landscape - permits the regeneration of an urban area without upsetting its historically consolidated asset. Moreover, it seeks to highlight that the improvements in micro-mobility, together with punctual regeneration interventions, also contribute to improving the life quality and comfort of the surrounding area.