Abstract

In this paper we begin considering the importance of urban architecture for the enhancement of the social identity of a city and for the improvement of its «image» that is more and more important to deal with the process of cities competition. Then, we review recent scholarship about urban strategies where culture economies and quality of built environment are strictly connected to support, from one side, gentrification process and urban regeneration programs and, from the other side, to build up a cultural industry that represents, in the present days, one of the most significant local economic force.