Defining the public space strategy for Bologna’s historic city center

A vision for a more liveable and resilient historic center

Bologna’s Centro Storico is a vibrant historic core where students, residents, and growing numbers of visitors converge. Its porticoes, piazzas, and markets create a distinctive cultural and social landscape, but increasing pressure on public space is challenging the area’s livability and balance. Streets and squares have become increasingly dominated by cars, parking, commercial activities, and concentrated nightlife, while the erosion of green spaces and opportunities for children’s independent mobility has weakened both ecological quality and everyday urban life.

The historic center was not designed for current levels of residents, students, tourism, and economic activity. As a result, it faces growing congestion, pollution, and competing demands that have gradually become normalized. The key challenge is how Bologna can remain a thriving, lived-in city while adapting to future needs and rising demand. A resident-first approach is essential to ensure the center does not become a museum-like setting, but continues to support everyday life, work, culture, and social interaction.

Public spaces therefore need to evolve by becoming more inclusive, accessible, green, safe, and flexible, while prioritizing sustainable mobility and climate resilience. Recent insights from the PSPL survey, conducted with the Municipality in June, together with Gehl’s contextual analysis, have helped identify who uses public spaces, who is missing, and how different areas function throughout the day. This evidence base informs targeted interventions aimed at restoring balance, strengthening public life, preserving heritage and identity, and creating a healthier, more vibrant historic center for all.