risanamento

Risanamento is an Italian term meaning rehabilitation or restoration, derived from risanare, “to restore or reclaim.” In urban planning and architecture, the word denotes a set of measures aimed at recovering the viability and livability of deteriorated urban areas or individual buildings, often implemented through a formal plan called piano di risanamento or a program of redevelopment.

Typical objectives include demolition of unsafe structures, structural consolidation, renovation of interiors, restoration of façades, new construction to replace decayed stock, improvement of public spaces, infrastructure, accessibility, energy efficiency, and provision of social housing. It may involve coordination between municipalities, private developers, and public housing authorities; instruments can include zoning changes, expropriation or incentives and public-private partnerships.

The approach can range from conservative rehabilitation to substantial restructuring, depending on the condition of the area and available resources. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with riqualificazione urbana, though risanamento emphasizes bringing a distressed area back to viability and livability.

In environmental contexts, risanamento also denotes environmental remediation or site cleanup, including soil and groundwater restoration, containment, and monitoring, in accordance with environmental laws.

Historical context: the term gained prominence in Italy during urban reform waves in the 20th century to address slums, seismic risk, and city decay, and remains in statutory use in some regional and municipal planning frameworks.