Adaptive Design. LAND Research Lab on TOPSCAPE PAYSAGE

The current historical situation, characterized by the pandemic scenario, has undoubtedly generated a strong and decisive acceleration of processes, including the rethinking of spaces about the contemporary city. Within this framework, open spaces—that become the theatre of the public sphere but also of the private one—clearly emerge among the elements on which attention should be focused.

The present situation pushes us to desire multifunctional, fluid, and adaptive spaces more and more. These spaces include squares, streets, and parks, which will increasingly extend private residences and approved workspaces.

In this regard, LAND’s active responsibility fully fits into the open debate on these issues, and it is therefore recognized and reported in the essay “Adaptive Design,” published on Topscape Paysage n. 43. In it, attention is focused on a renewed interpretation of the idea of proximity and neighbourhood, aimed at rediscovering the large cities of the social man, who intends to fully explore public spaces and universal feelings.

The focus, which appeared in the essay, shows the commitment of LAND and its Research Lab to implementing an adaptive design strategy to the new challenges we face, based on some principles for developing more liveable urban landscapes.

The conjuncture between contemporary society’s great attention to the quality of life, well-being and climate resilience and the transformation forced by the current pandemic emergency led to a unique moment when it is necessary to take advantage of this opportunity to rethink our way of living and design the city. Many cities are accelerating the process towards a more solid sharing economy, promoting sustainable mobility, participatory planning and the use of digital infrastructures. However, we must not forget the fundamental role of urban greenery in avoiding an unhealthy compartmentation of open spaces and a loss of urban quality.