In the fascinating world of architecture and urban regeneration, there are figures who stand out for their passion, competence and dedication. One of these figures is the Arch. Loredana Modugno, a professional who carries out urban transformation projects with an innovative and inclusive vision. We had the privilege of interviewing her to learn more about her work and her approach to design.
Arch. Loredana Modugno boasts an international career that has led her to deal with different contexts and challenges. After spending a long period in Spain, where she honed her skills and worked on urban regeneration and sustainable mobility projects, she returned to Italy in 2010 due to an economic crisis. Since then, he has focused his attention on the opportunities offered by the Italian territory, focusing on urban regeneration and environmental sustainability projects.
In my professional experience, I have learned that research is fundamental to every design project. This research is not just about ideas and materials, but also about the people who live in the spaces and how they change over time. Working in Spain, I had the opportunity to collaborate with urban sociologists, taking a holistic approach to urban design and planning. This approach considers different aspects, such as women's perception of safety and the quality of public space, including elements such as sociability, accessibility and lighting. These indicators help create places that become symbols of recognition for those who live there.
During the interview, Arch. Modugno underlined the importance of considering design as a collaborative and inclusive process. Starting from his recent work in Ginosa, Puglia, he explained how the involvement of the local community was fundamental to the success of the project. Through meetings and workshops with citizens, it was possible to understand their needs and aspirations, transforming public space into a place of meeting and sharing.
Regenerating a space has a significant impact: people feel more connected to the place, appreciate its value and are more likely to invest in surrounding properties. During construction, we also carried out environmental awareness activities to explain the choices made, such as the removal of non-native plants. This has led to greater awareness among the local community and an interest in redeveloping and further enhancing the area. The aim is to open up the rest of the seafront, creating a landscape path that extends to the green areas, making the city more welcoming and sustainable. This urban regeneration project also involved schools in the choice of materials, showing how community participation can enrich the final result.
Every detail of Ginosa's project was carefully designed to respond to the specific needs of the community, creating inclusive and functional urban spaces. When designing an urban sustainable mobility plan there was an obligation for co-participation. I clearly remember the enthusiasm of the children of Ginosa who wanted to transform the public space of the seafront, and we took their ideas and visions into account. It was rewarding to see how their creativity and perspective enriched the project. This episode perfectly represents our approach to urban regeneration: listening carefully to the needs and desires of the local community.
Arch. Modugno also highlighted the importance of adopting a sustainable approach to design, both from an environmental and social point of view. In his work in Ginosa Marina, he worked to improve the accessibility and usability of public space, aiming at the regeneration of the urban landscape and the promotion of sustainable mobility. Through the use of innovative materials and eco-friendly solutions, it has contributed to creating a healthier and more livable environment for citizens.
This project received funding from the Puglia Region. Out of 96 regional proposals, only 4 obtained funding, and we were among these 4, ranking in second place. Considering that no public interventions had been made in that area for over 50 years, this was a significant success. The public notice concerned the selection of strategic interventions: we chose to focus on the recovery of the coast and on the improvement of the coastal system of Marina di Ginosa, an area with a high tourist vocation.
We have worked on urban redevelopment, accessibility for all, tourist hospitality and the promotion of sustainable mobility. We have also enhanced the natural areas, in particular the Site of Community Importance (SCI) linked to the area.
Finally, we discussed the collaboration with Favaro, a leading company in the sector of architectural and landscape materials. Loredana praised the assistance and attention to detail provided by Favaro during the implementation of the projects. Thanks to their experience and expertise, it was possible to guarantee the quality and reliability of the solutions used on construction sites.
A crucial aspect of Ginosa's project was the use of innovative technologies and sustainable materials, evaluated through specific indicators. This is why we chose to use Recycle to manage rainwater and address the needs related to the hydrogeological and geomorphological risk of Ginosa and Ginosa Marina. These areas are subject to important risks, with Ginosa having geomorphological risks and Ginosa Marina hydrogeological risks. Given the proximity to a site of community importance, it was essential to ensure the permeability of the spaces.
The company's continuous assistance was invaluable, it was not limited to the sale of the product but made sure that it was installed correctly, making itself available for any need. Even the technicians, despite the challenges encountered, worked together to ensure the success of the project. In particular, we faced complex situations, such as variations in thicknesses and surfaces, but thanks to Favaro's collaboration and constant support, we managed to overcome them brilliantly. The company's presence in the field, with its consultancy and checks, was decisive in ensuring optimal installation and the overall success of the project.
Looking to the future, Arch. Modugno underlined the importance of continuing to promote urban regeneration and environmental sustainability projects. He is currently working on new urban forestation and neighborhood redevelopment projects, with the aim of creating welcoming and inclusive public spaces for local communities.
I am currently involved in several urban regeneration, landscaping and urban forestry projects. In particular, I am collaborating on an urban forestation project in the Puglia area with the Green Carpet grid which is currently under construction. We are also working on five peri-urban areas, where we intend to redevelop green public spaces, transforming them into places of ecological transition and aggregation. In addition to tree planting, we are creating outdoor classrooms and other elements to encourage new functions related to the different uses of these areas. Furthermore, I am preparing to start an urban forestation project in the Tamburi neighborhood in Taranto, known for being one of the most polluted neighborhoods in Italy. I will help direct the architectural and landscape works of this project, which provides a significant challenge given the environmental situation of the neighborhood. At the moment, I am evaluating the possibility of involving new partners such as Favaro or other companies, depending on the specific needs of the next ongoing construction sites.
In conclusion, Arch. Loredana Modugno embodies the essence of urban regeneration as a tool for positive transformation for our cities. With his commitment and innovative vision, he continues to lead projects that improve the quality of life and promote environmental sustainability.
