Environmental Design Principles for Urban Comfort: The Pilot Case Study of Naro Municipality

Abstract

Nowadays, considering the urgent issues related to climate change and land consumption as well as the increasing urban population, urban spaces, enhanced by appropriate design solutions, can help reduce risks and improve conditions of environmental well-being. In this context, thanks to a collaboration between the Department of Architecture of the University of Palermo and the Municipality of Naro, in the province of Agrigento (Sicily, Italy), an urban environmental design workshop was promoted to redefine an urban space without a precise identity and denied to public use, within the fabric of a minor historical center in the Sicilian hinterland. The article summarizes the adopted methodology, including the population needs’ assessment, the environmental context assessment, the historical analysis of the urban space to redefine within the context of the whole historical center, possible urban and greening solutions, and design references according to the urban biophilic approach. The resulting preliminary design aims to be an example of an interdisciplinary approach, respectful of what already exists, which places the comfort and well-being of the user at the center of the design. Moreover, it is an interesting example of urban regeneration through the biophilic approach applied to a small urban center, which could be replicated in other similar contexts.