Urban development and public space challenges in Milan and Bergamo

Discussions regarding urban living and public space management are emerging in Italian cities. In Milan, there is a growing debate over the divide between the city center and its outskirts. While the center has transformed into an international hub of luxury, commerce, and tourism, there are concerns that it is becoming a ‘showcase’ that is increasingly difficult for actual residents to inhabit due to rising costs and a disconnect from the authentic life found in local neighborhoods and peripheries.

In Bergamo, observations from travels through Spanish cities such as Bilbao, San Sebastián, Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona are being used as inspiration for local improvements. The focus is on enhancing the quality of life through the meticulous care of public spaces, specifically highlighting the need for continuous, protected, and safe cycling networks similar to those found in Spain.