The contemporary urban design for living today the historic areas of the city. The case study of the historic centre of banyoles

Abstract

The contribution presented wants to focus attention on one of the most important and interesting issues that today concern the urban-architectural design within contemporary city of the Mediterranean. At the centre of present international and multidisciplinary debate, management of the historical, cultural, economic, social and environmental heritage becomes real design when we compare with the existing fabric of dense historical centres: between protection and custody, between conservation and development, the themes and research tools intersect. The aim is to highlight needs and opportunities, deepening project’s ability to support contemporary dynamics of living and its relationship with the historical context. Through the critical report of the refurbishment of the historic center of Banyoles (Spain), an explanatory case study in this regard, we want to bring out the ability of intervention to transform historic areas in contemporary and newly available public spaces.