If we assume recession as being the starting point for policy challenges, then we can interpret these economic downturns as opportunities for change and the reshaping of society, landscapes and the latent mechanisms of growth. This book illustrates different aspects of local strategic development introducing a novel interpretation of the intimate relationship between demographic and economic aspects in complex socio-environmental systems. A specific approach investigating the mechanisms of local development, cultural and environmental values within a strategic territorial vision, is proposed. Coming from and appealing to diverse academic backgrounds, our book address paradigmatic visions about regional and urban dynamics, focusing on landscape transformations and socioeconomic disparities.
1. Introduction: from smart cities to smart landscapes, beyond the crisis 2. Socio-demographic disparities and local development: crisis versus post-crisis perspectives 3. Socio-spatial disparities and economic recession in the divided metropolis 4. The ‘suburban’ cities of today and tomorrow 5. Epilogue: Urban ‘crisis’ and ‘Smart’ land - giving value to local communities
Sabato Vinci, University of Roma Tre, Italy. Luca Salvati, CREA, Italy.