ENVIRONMENTAL REGENERATION THROUGH GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE: A CASE STUDY OF REGIO PARCO IN TURIN

Urbanization has ushered in unprecedented challenges, notably the rise of Urban Heat Islands (UHI), wherein metropolitan areas experience elevated temperatures compared to their rural counterparts. These thermal disparities have far-reaching consequences on human comfort, energy consumption, and overall urban well-being. In response to this, the concept of green infrastructure emerges as a pivotal strategy for mitigating UHI effects and fostering environmental regeneration within urban spaces. The phenomenon of Urban Heat Islands is multifaceted, influenced by intricate interactions between natural and anthropogenic factors. Notably, surface materials, land use changes, and anthropogenic heat contribute significantly to the exacerbation of UHI (Phelan et al., 2015; Yang et al., 2020; Zölch et al., 2016). The repercussions are felt on both macro and micro scales, affecting cities globally. Turin, exemplifying the broader urban conundrum, has embarked on an innovative approach towards environmental regeneration through the strategic implementation of green infrastructure. This thesis navigates through a tripartite structure, sequentially unraveling the layers of this complex issue. The initial segment delves into comprehensive research, fusing an exploration of the UHI phenomenon with the state-of-the-art insights into green infrastructure. Herein, the significance of urban greening, diverse typologies of green infrastructure, and economic valuations of such projects are meticulously examined. This foundational phase sets the stage for understanding the intricacies of UHI and how green infrastructure can be wielded as a potent tool for urban regeneration. The subsequent phase involves an in-depth examination of five global architectural and urban projects that have successfully integrated green infrastructure. By scrutinizing the lessons gleaned from these international endeavors, the study distills a practical understanding of effective strategies and potential pitfalls. This experiential lens aids in shaping a nuanced approach towards implementing green infrastructure in the unique context of Regio Parco, Turin. The concluding segment transitions from theoretical underpinnings to practical application, focusing on the environmental regeneration project in Quartiere S1Corso Taranto, Turin. The interdisciplinary nature of this phase incorporates architectural, urban, and environmental considerations. The integration of green roofs, green walls, permeable paving, and other innovative strategies is envisioned to permeate both building and neighborhood scales, fostering a holistic transformation from individual building facades to the fabric of the entire community. In navigating through these phases, this thesis seeks not only to contribute to the academic discourse surrounding UHI mitigation and green infrastructure but also to offer a tangible blueprint for the sustainable revitalization of urban spaces. Turin, emblematic of many contemporary cities grappling with urbanization challenges, stands as a microcosm for this endeavor. Through an amalgamation of research, international insights, and on-the-ground application, this thesis aspires to be a catalyst for a more sustainable and resilient urban future.