L'università come controverso attore di rivitalizzazione del centro storico - University as (controversial) player for the requalification of the historic centre

Abstract

In the South of Italy, on one side, University located in historic centres is a widespread and well-established historical phenomenon, while on the other side it can hardly play a key role into the regeneration processes in action. The case of Palermo is useful to take into account some gen- eral aspects which may also regard other urban realities in Southern Italy. In Palermo, until recent times, the discontinu- ous interest in the historic centre has been a distinctive feature of University policies, despite the number of its locations: suffice it to consider the three big monastic complexes of the Theatins (School of Law), the Martorana (School of Architecture) and St. Rocco (School of Political Sciences). In order to confirm the previous dis- interest of the University in an effective policy addressed to convert areas and properties located in the historic centre, the initiatives begun along the ‘80s give evidence of the will to pursue, with no clear plan, a new development policy, focused on the already congested area of Parco d’Orléans. Historically, the first and most relevant exception to such disinterest in an appropriate requalifica- tion policy of the historic centre is represented by the restoration of the Chiaramonte Palace, known as the Steri Palace, seat of the Rectorate. The ’90s mark a significant turnaround with a proportional return to an interest in the his- toric centre, marking University policies and converging on Palermo City Council urban poli- cies. Although issues are numerous, they are all referable to two central interconnected subjects: what has changed in the last ten years regard- ing the historic centre role and policies and what has changed in the last ten years regarding the University role and policies.