Urban Renewal in Ravenna, Italy

This project is interesting because it fits the most current thinking about urban spaces into a heavily historical context. It's in Italy, and elements of the area go back to Roman times.

The proposal includes:

• new mixed-use tower building, including residential, co-working, and public services spaces

• renovated the existing forum building with preserved facade and the interior rebuilt for modern communal use, including a theatre space

• car parking hid underground (more greenery and plazas!)

• pedestrian and cycling promenade, the "spine" of the area

A peek behind the curtain: drawings from the architect Luca Racioppo. Left to right: 1. the renewed Forum Building, 2. facade of the new mixed-use tower building details 3. new tower building facade and shape. All drawings © Luca Racioppo, Chapman Taylor.

The Canale Candiano remains untouched "serving to reconnect people with the roots of historic Ravenna", the architects said.