Urban concept and analysis
Girlan
A redevelopment plan for the residential historic town center of Girlan.
Regeneration through the existing fabric
Source PDF page 11
Developed alongside the regeneration plan for Girlan’s historic centre, the urban concept establishes a framework for strengthening the village’s spatial, social, and economic foundations while respecting its centuries-old, organically evolved structure.
The historical analysis identifies architectural and cultural value alongside structural and functional challenges. Rather than imposing transformation, the concept works with the existing fabric to find latent potential for renewal and adaptation.
Mobility, social inclusion, and climate resilience are integrated with the preservation of architectural character. The aim is a vibrant, resilient living environment that balances continuity and change for residents and visitors.
Three systems, one historic centre
Source PDF page 11
Public space includes squares, places to stay, the forecourts of retail and hospitality venues, streets, parking, and bus stops. These spaces support collective use while negotiating competing demands.
Built space includes homes and public facilities, representing both public and private life. Historic buildings, walls, fountains, and alleyways form an identity-bearing structure for the town.
Green space forms an ecological network of playgrounds, private gardens, agricultural land, and individual trees. Together these elements reduce heat, retain water, and provide habitat.
A shared spatial reading
Source PDF page 11
The three systems overlap across the historic centre and its 200-, 400-, and 600-metre walking catchments.
Public, built, and green space
Source PDF pages 12 and 13
Each system sheet pairs a mapped inventory with typological drawings, keeping everyday use, heritage, and ecological performance legible as connected layers.
Four objectives for regeneration
Source PDF page 13
The source organises implementation around four objectives. The final participation line under Objective 1 is visibly truncated; the action below preserves only its legible intent.
Objective 1
Strengthen the quality of public space
- Limit vehicular access on secondary central streets to residents, improving pedestrian safety.
- Define space for different hierarchies of use.
- Concentrate parking in less central areas and remove central parking.
- Connect public spaces through a common design approach and a stronger street-furniture layout.
- Promote active participation by citizens and local associations.
Objective 2
Protect and integrate cultural identity
- Protect historic buildings and control modifications to them.
- Promote cultural and awareness events connected to Cornaiano’s traditions and historical heritage.
- Support responsible innovation that respects tradition in new construction and the renovation of disused buildings.
Objective 3
Encourage multifunctional collective use
- Maintain essential services through available public buildings.
- Support a continuous village presence with spaces and activities for living, working, and recreation.
Objective 4
Implement green infrastructure
- Use local tree species that support biodiversity and its associated benefits.
- Implement the tree register and guidelines for green-space maintenance.
- Create awareness-raising moments for the community, public administrations, and technicians.
Collective uses and connections
Source PDF page 13
The implementation map locates public institutions, everyday services, parking, green space, and connections toward Bolzano and San Michele.
Project credits
Source PDF pages 11 and 12 and 13
- Urban concept and analysis
- LIA Collective
- Graphics
- Saba Seighali with LIA Collective
- Year
- 2024
- Source
- Supplied portfolio PDF, PDF pages 11–13 (printed pages 20, 22, and 24)