Italy's Shrinking Inner Areas: SNAI Strategy and the Borgo del Benessere
Italy's 'inner areas' comprise 60% of the nation's land and accommodate 22% of its population, which is experiencing a decline in numbers. To address this issue, the government has been executing the SNAI (National Strategy for Inner Areas) since 2014, spearheaded by former Minister Fabrizio Barca and overseen by Filippo Tantillo. The initiative aims to enhance vital services and promote local business growth, currently targeting 25 pilot regions, with 8 having established specific strategies. In Riccia (Campobasso), the Borgo del Benessere project is transforming five historical buildings into a center for the elderly, collaborating with the University of the Third Age, Sapienza University of Rome, and Federico II University of Naples. Additionally, a report titled 'Shaping Aging Cities' by Arup and others explores age-friendly urban design in ten European cities.
Key facts
- 22% of Italy's population lives in inner areas, covering 60% of the national territory.
- SNAI (National Strategy for Inner Areas) was adopted in 2014 under the PNR.
- Filippo Tantillo is the scientific coordinator of SNAI.
- 25 pilot areas are currently targeted, 8 have defined strategies.
- Borgo del Benessere in Riccia (Campobasso) repurposes five buildings into elderly hospitality.
- The project involves the University of the Third Age, Sapienza Rome, and Federico II Naples.
- Shaping Aging Cities report examines ten European cities, including Milan.
- Stefano Recalcati led the Shaping Aging Cities report for Arup.
- At the 15th Venice Architecture Biennale, the Ireland Pavilion featured 'Losing Myself'.
- Niall McLaughlin designed the Alzheimer's Respite Centre in Dublin.
- Alzheimer's Respite Centre was commissioned by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.
- The UN projects that by 2050, over-60s will outnumber under-15s globally.
- By 2050, 70% of the world's population is expected to live in urban areas.
- SNAI defines four belts: peri-urban, intermediate, peripheral, ultra-peripheral (over 75 minutes from a pole).
- Over 1,066 municipalities are involved in SNAI.
Entities
Artists
- Yeoryia Manolopoulou
- Niall McLaughlin
- Alejandro Aravena
Institutions
- Arup
- HelpAge International
- Intel ICRI Cities
- Systematica
- Alzheimer Society of Ireland
- Sapienza University of Rome
- Federico II University of Naples
- University of the Third Age
- Artribune
- Borghi srl
- Comune di Riccia
- SNAI
- PNR
- United Nations
Locations
- Italy
- Riccia
- Campobasso
- Molise
- Fortore Molisano
- Dublin
- Ireland
- Venice
- Milan
- Denmark
- Portugal
- Spain
- Germany
- China
- India
- United States
- Europe
- Mediterranean
- Piemonte
- Val Maira
- Sicily
- Madonie
- Delta Padano
- Leccese
- Agordina