Urbanism in Italy: The struggle for accessible public spaces

Urban planning discussions in Italy are increasingly focusing on the accessibility of public spaces and the needs of younger generations. Elena Granata, a professor of Urbanism at Politecnico di Milano, explores these themes in her book, “La città è di tutti” (The City Belongs to Everyone).

Granata argues that essential elements of urban life—such as housing, leisure, and proximity spaces—are shifting from collective goods to market-driven commodities. This transition often restricts access to public areas, such as beaches, which increasingly require payment for entry or consumption.

The challenges are particularly visible in regions like the province of Naples, where youth must navigate varying levels of infrastructure and services across cities like Naples, Castellammare, and Pompeii. The discourse emphasizes the need for cities to provide spaces for study, sport, and social interaction that do not necessitate commercial consumption.