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Time acts as a fundamental variable of urban transformation. In fact, changing needs can make an architecture or a technological unit obsolete over time. Precisely, this unexpected deficiency in performance can no longer be interpreted as a limitation but rather as potential to update the architecture itself. This paper fits into this framework and investigates both the potential and limitations of architecture considered an upgradeable system in which time, and the need for changes, become a variable of transformation. By analysing a case study and possible updating strategies relative to a renewed demand framework, the paper underlines the potential that modern architecture offers in terms of updating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The indication of the food origin is one of the most important tools to ensure the protection of consumers and farmers. It is also very important to maintain and enhance rural landscape, especially in Italy and within agri-food productions with geographical indications. The strong link in terms of identity and culture between the territory and these products, a heritage preserved by farmers from generation to generation, is apparently intangible, but actually, it emerges in the fields configuration and in the traditional landscape features. Supporting agri-food production with deep territorial and cultural origins, means promoting a model anchored in local economies and rural communities. However, the risk of losing this heritage is still real, especially in our country and despite the several tools of protection and promotion in the agri-food sector. In this paper, the author shows the authenticity of the link between landscape and agri-food products through the analysis of a Piedmont case and the spatial analysis of the geographical context and territorial relationship (protection, naturalness, visual integrity and accessibility). In addition, the paper suggests some technical and political issues that can contribute to the debate on the heritage integrated vision, considered also as a potential lever of development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzes youth work approaches from the perspective of youth policies with the aim of deepening the links with social and educational policies. At an empirical level, the analysis is conducted through a focus group with national youth workers and two case studies of organizations active in vulnerable contexts. The results highlight the relevance of continuity on synchronic multi-actors network and diachronic relationships, increased by the Covid19 emergency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Green Deal places at the centre of its policies the need to act in order to achieve climate neutrality goals by 2050. In this context, the role of cities and, in particular, of already existing buildings is relevant. Although they are responsible for 40% of energy consumption, only 1% are involved in major restructuring processes. In the context of smart city strategies and to improve their performances, Europe proposes various approaches such as Positive Energy Districts and Industry 4.0. This paper analyses case studies and innovative European projects with the aim of identifying the most relevant strategic actions. Eventually, it presents a real case in the city of Bologna as a basepoint for the reflection proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the state of advancement achieved in the OptiYard research project in the use of optimisation algorithms in interaction with microsimulation of the rail-yard and surrounding network towards realtime yard management and communication with the network. Two case studies, a hump marshalling yard (mainly Single Wagon Load traffic) and a flat shunting yard (mainly intermodal traffic), were represented with state-of-the art microsimulation models, combined with innovative optimisation algorithms. Some specialistic information on the nature of the models is provided. However, the focus is oriented to railway engineers, with a description of the interactions between the models in producing outputs that are useful both to the yard dispatcher (decisions on staff, track, locomotive assignment, order of operations) and the infrastructure manager of the surrounding network (expected times of departure, availability of tracks in the yard). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examines, even through the analysis of some case studies, some recent national initiatives for historical rural landscapes. Some problematic issues, both theoretical and practical, that emerge considering these landscapes in conservation and safeguard policies, are then highlighted, with reference to the Italian case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, I shall argue about the relationship among creativity, empathy, and recognition. To this aim, I will provide with an analysis of two contemporary work of art as case studies: the interactive portrait This Is Not Private by Alberto Daniele (2016) and the project Material Speculation: ISIS (2015-2016) by Morehshin Allahyari (2016). Through a phenomenological framework, my contention is to show how the engagement between the artist and the user is crucial to develop the meaning of the work of art itself, determining a creative process in which they both are involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes a research performed by the Department of Anthropological Sciences for the Regione Liguria, finalized to the definition of a set of indicators for the distribution of the Regional Social Fund, feeding a consistent part of Liguria's social policies, governed by the Regional Social Plan and by Local Plans. The research is inserted in a setting of quite rigid normative and programming indications, even if, as it will be described, have taken places interesting retroactions between scientific results and the re-thinking of adopted criteria (or of their practical translation) by the decision maker, considering the results obtained though the operationalization of pre-defined criteria. These aspects have been recently observed by the Italian theoretical framework (Parra Saiani, 2009; Bezzi, Cannavò e Palumbo, a cura di, 2010), being always characterized by a proficient mix between descriptive-interpretative use and practical function. In these cases it is mainly used the Lazarsfeld sociological approach (Lazarsfeld, 1965), such as the selection of principal dimensions of the concept and the successive realization of variable (indicators) permitting to observe such dimensions. The research has maintained a certain degree of continuity with the Lazarsfeld's paradigm, even if opening to some critical reflections about it. More specifically, it emerges a continuous retroaction between indicators, dimensions and indicated concepts, that in their evaluative use produces also a wider consciousness of practical implications of adopted choices, both on the methodological plan, both on the political one. In this way, it is obtained a result that produces innovations and empowerment both on classic working models in social research, both on interested decisional processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]