Finale Emilia: an example of post-earthquake reconstruction

The contribution illustrates the Italian experience in reconstruction of the municipality of Finale Emilia in the province of Modena - in the Emilia Romagna region - following the earthquake of May 2012 with the aim of contributing, through the results achieved to date, to develop a method of approach to post-earthquake reconstruction actions effective both in interventions on historic buildings and in new realizations. The case of Finale Emilia is very important because it represents a valid example of post-earthquake reconstruction and urban regeneration: two major questions of architecture on an urban scale and building that are still at the heart of international debates. This experience makes it possible to make reflections and to give some answers to the problems inherent in the various sectors involved in reconstruction: from those most closely linked to restoration, recovery, seismic safety and socio-economic factors, to those concerning energy redevelopment and environmental sustainability. The work carried out to date has been divided into two phases which correspond to different problems. The first phase, currently completed, concerns the short term and was aimed at quickly and effectively identifying all the urban planning measures necessary to carry out the reconstruction and safety of buildings damaged by the earthquake. All this through concretely feasible choices and safe rules. The second phases is still in progress, of a wider scope, is of a strategic nature for urban and territorial redevelopment. In fact, starting from the specificity of the territory to be planned, with the unexpressed potential and the criticalities to be resolved, it must put in place policies that are able to ensure the achievement of environmental protection strategies and objectives; to enhance the settlement system; to improve social cohesion and the socio-economic and cultural conditions of the resident population; finally to increase the sense of community and belonging of citizens to their territory. In summary, the present work aims to take stock of the positive and critical aspects by retracing the most important moments of the reaction to the earthquake events of 20 and 29 May 2012 and highlighting the institutional actors and the operational tools used in order to face the phases emergency, transition and therefore reconstruction. Reconstruction, in particular, concerns the illustration of some cases in the urban and non urban areas.