Ferrara’s choice of ‘Il Quartiere’ was guided by its outdated infrastructure and strong resident networks, making it ideal for testing active mobility interventions. The district was built in the 60s, with great potential to become a thriving community hub. The municipality’s commitment to sustainable urban development, and local stakeholder group further supported the decision to prioritize this area.
Ferrara’s team was led by the Department of Environment and Mobility and coordinated with a local working group and appointed agency (Basso Profilo). Stakeholders included local community associations, school representatives, and residents. Ferrara’s engagement activities led to unplanned but welcome outcomes such as a neighborhood herbarium and workshops on local flora.
Ferrara’s integration of different activities (community co-design, art installations, community herbarium, pedibus) is helping generate momentum. They involved residents in the planning phase through collective exploration and mapping. Murals and billboards are serving a visual momentum build-up.