Florence's Spazi Sospesi Project Activates Tactical Urbanism

In 2019, tactical urbanism gained traction in Italy, driven by media attention and generalist press. The Florence-based initiative Spazi Sospesi, led by FAF – Fondazione Architetti Firenze with scientific curation by Ground Action, aimed to foster debate on short-term urban interventions. Architect Silvia Moretti, former FAF president, explained that the project invited external professionals—including young studios—to engage with selected areas of Florence without preconceptions. Key sessions included an introductory seminar and an urban walk to gather resident feedback. Sites such as Viale Tanini, Piazza Luigi Dallapiccola, Piazza Vittorio Veneto, and the Esedra area near Palazzina Reale di Santa Maria Novella were identified as 'suspended spaces'—unresolved, indeterminate, or deteriorated. Participants included Fosbury and From outer space (Milan), Babau Bureau (Venice), BdR bureau (Turin), SCOB (Barcelona), Umschichten (Stuttgart), and Coloco (Paris). Two locations were chosen at the request of local neighborhoods. Moretti noted that feedback will be shared via a dedicated platform accessible to the public and municipal administration. The project may extend to neighboring territories in 2020.