Public space as cultural resource: a call for radical rethinking

Massimiliano Tonelli argues that public space is the last major economic asset of Italian municipalities and should be leveraged for cultural purposes rather than squandered. He cites three recent episodes: in Milan, 2,000 citizens counted all illegally parked cars in one evening, revealing vast amounts of space stolen from culture and creativity; in Florence, the municipality granted a public space concession for 'Pitti Pizza & Friends', a pizza event with dubious cultural value, using the concept of culture to justify a giveaway to private entities; and nationally, Minister of Productive Activities Adolfo Urso proposed making Covid-era outdoor seating (dehors) permanent, arguing they can enhance streets. Tonelli criticizes the inconsistency of local police who tolerate illegal parking but fine restaurants for minor table placement, and Soprintendenze that allow historic squares to become parking lots while obstructing outdoor dining. He calls for a radical change in how public space is conceived, linking it to community culture and identity.