PROJECT OVERVIEW

Urban Regeneration of the River Po Edge, Piacenza
The proposed urban regeneration project reimagines the neglected riverfront of Piacenza along the River Po, transforming a once-industrial landscape—marked by abandoned facilities, fragmented mobility infrastructures, and a decommissioned power plant—into a vibrant cultural and ecological district. The intervention seeks to reconnect the city with its waterfront, restore the architectural heritage of the site, and introduce new public programs that activate the area throughout the year.

At the heart of the proposal is the adaptive reuse of the iconic power plant, a prominent industrial landmark whose scale and presence have long shaped the identity of the riverbank. The building is repurposed into a Technopark and Art Museum, merging innovation, cultural production, and public engagement. Adjacent abandoned structures are converted into open pavilions, boxpark-style modular spaces, cafés, and event venues, forming a flexible network of programs that support local entrepreneurship and cultural activities.

The project introduces a new urban axis that directly links the city and the train station to the riverfront, overcoming the physical barriers imposed by highways and rail infrastructure. This new pedestrian-oriented connection provides safe, intuitive access to the site and unifies previously disconnected districts. A riverside linear park stitches together ecological restoration zones, recreational decks, picnic areas, and pathways that invite citizens to rediscover the natural landscape.

The regeneration strategy unfolds in two phases. Phase I focuses on public-space activation—establishing the river park, open pavilions, and temporary boxpark structures. Phase II advances the architectural transformation of the power plant and solidifies the site as a cultural and technological hub. By layering environmental recovery with heritage preservation and contemporary programming, the project positions the River Po waterfront as a renewed civic landmark and a catalyst for long-term urban vitality.

CREDITS

Project Team