Abstract

This paper deals with the theme of urban regeneration starting from the assumption that the meaning of this term has not yet been yet fully understood and, consequently, the use made of it in urban planning practice is improper. This appears evident from the persistent confusion of urban regeneration with other practices such as restructuring, redevelopment, recovery, restoration, rehabilitation. Therefore the definitive identification of the most important characteristics of urban regeneration is an indispensable condition to ensure that it can be introduced as a new way of practicing urban planning.With this objective, an examination of the enormous building heritage present in Italy is presented and some open questions are examined, such as the lack of knowledge, the absence of specific rules and the lack of financial resources. Are then presented some particularly significant case studies found both in Italy and in other European countries. In conclusion, a proposal is put forward divided into five points to reflect on with the aim of starting the construction of a new urban planning opposed to the current one, still guided by the logic of expansion and land consumption.