Frontier of Change - Transformation of Hospitality Fostering Urban Regeneration and Social Inclusion
One of the challenges of 21st century Italy is an unprecedented number of immigrants resulting from globalization and geopolitical instabilities. The phenomenon is irreversible, and when it is combined with an aging population and a geographical marginality of the internal areas, a bottom-up reshaping of the structure is necessary. Resettlement spaces that are more resilient using infrastructure that is flexible and community spaces of inclusion aid in development of the territory in itself.
Regional
Italy
Riace, Reggio Calabria, Calabria - South Italy
It addresses urban-rural linkages
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
No
No
As an individual in partnership with other persons
First name: Aiswarya Last name: Madhu Mani Vannan Gender: Female Age: 30 Please attach a copy of your national ID/residence card:
By ticking this box, I certify that the information regarding my age is factually correct. : Yes Nationality: India Address (country of permanent residence for individuals or address of the organisation)<br/>Street and number: 15, Via Carlo Montanari Town: Mantova Postal code: 46100 Country: Italy Direct Tel:+39 324 604 9310 E-mail:aiswaryamanivannan@gmail.com
One of the biggest challenges of 21st century Italy is the unprecedented number of immigrants resulting from globalization and geopolitical instabilities. The phenomenon is irreversible, and when it is combined with an aging population and a geographical marginality of the historical areas, a bottom-up reshaping of the structure is required. The government has made several attempts to manage the current anthropological and socio-economic scenarios. However, these endeavors have remained passive when it is attempted within the scope of an individual or a community. A notable exception is the beginning of the SPRAR or SAI system, which is influenced by the autonomous attempt made by the village Riace on the pillars of its identity of hospitality. Riace experimented with an innovative approach to address the challenges of the abandonment of villages due to economic marginality and depopulation by tapping effectively into the empowerment of immigrants with autonomy.
This Master's thesis developed by Aiswarya Madhu Mani Vannan and Geethu Joseph attempts to plug into this by unraveling various layers of these efforts made by village of Riace and how it has produced a ripple effect in the territory and beyond. The aim was to establish guidelines that bring about a new way of thinking about the problem of depopulation and displacement by bringing various actors together. The goal of this thesis was to understand how the already existing culture and character of an area can be used to enhance the region itself. Resettlement spaces can become a tool of resilience using infrastructure that is a flexible and cultural identity that promotes community spaces of inclusion, thereby rerouting the overlooked inner areas of Southern Italy. By valorizing the cultural resources and binding them with the diversity offered by immigrants a new world can be created. Communities with a regenerative urban environment can creatively work together to facilitate the needs of the future world.
Hospitality fostering Transformation and Social Inclusion
Abandoned Historical Villages
Refugee crisis
Urban Regeneration
Riace Model
The Riace story is now well-known in the European fraternity for its innovative approach that led to the development of the deteriorating village as well as for the political controversies that it produced. It was almost known as a ‘utopia’ that exists in the ‘shadows’ of its leader – Ex-Mayor Domenico Lucano who began with the integration processes. Yet, due to the political instabilities and improper administration of various structures, the utopia of hospitality where everybody lives in prosperity eventually declined. The concept starts by laying out the foundation of the context of the beginning of the model, what was the ground reality of the event, how it declined, and how it can be sustained.
Riace also influenced its neighboring villages and the administrative structure of the territory. Analyzing the actors, activities, initiatives, associations, and policies that became ingredients of the urban regeneration and the hospitality processes helped us to understand the importance of the model and the implications of the vicious cycle of abandonment and migration which is the most important threat to the development of the area. Riace model can serve as an example for the settlement of asylum seekers in other European regions and as a means to overturn abandonment. Analyzing the integration processes leaves room for discussion on how this identity diffuses among individuals who belong to different cultures when they function together.
The concept proposes a bottom-up solution for the development of the sustainable model of Riace and its territory by finding the potentials that are unexplored in the existing Riace narrative. A carefully studied strategical framework involving two important administrative bodies SNAI and SAI in different levels of intervention creates immense possibilities for the area. This study creates space for the discussion on how the cultural identity of hospitality in the area can aid in the development of the whole territory.
The concept aimed to establish guidelines that bring various actors together and use the existing culture and character of an area to enhance the region. The goal was to provide a roadmap for communities to work together and facilitate the needs of the future world.
In terms of aesthetics and quality of experience for people, the concept focuses on promoting positive emotions and cultural benefits through artistic expression. This is achieved by using creative and artistic tools in therapeutic settings to explore and express emotions and experiences related to conflict, violence, and exile, thus improving the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of immigrants and refugees. The Riace model serves as an example of how this concept can be exemplary in the context of integration. The model demonstrates that artistic expression can provide a space for immigrants, refugees and locals to challenge discrimination and social exclusion, and foster intercultural dialogue.
The key objectives of the Riace model in terms of aesthetics and quality of experience for people are to provide a sense of belonging, interaction, and responsibility. The model prioritizes the use of architectural heritage and cultural biodiversity to create a welcoming and inclusive environment. The small historical centers, with their unique identities, provide a space for cultural exchange and social interaction. The architectural identity of these centers is characterized by dense agglomerations of buildings, a dense network of alleys and streets, and an attention to the relationship between full and empty spaces. The design of the centers has met the objectives by creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that encourages social interaction and cultural exchange. The concept of the Riace model can be considered exemplary in this context as it successfully integrates immigrants, revitalizes abandoned rural areas, and creates a sustainable and inclusive environment.
The Calabrian identity of hospitality combined with an idealistic vision and an effective valorization brought about immense developments for the small inner village The Riace narrative did thrive for two decades with the human and economic resources that came with the acceptance and integration of immigrants into the community. The benefits were mutual. Although the model garnered immense fame and attention worldwide, the inability to achieve a circular economy and a sustainable long-term plan led to the failure of the narrative. However, the ripple effect created by the model spread all over the country and beyond its borders.
Riace’s continuous efforts and interventions to not wither away could essentially be the solution to the bigger issue of abandonment currently faced in villages of a marginalized setting, especially in the inner areas of Calabria. As deduced through this research, Hospitality is the key factor that binds many facets together. It is imperative. To synthesize, with the immigration hosting practice, the local administration was improving the social, economic, and physical conditions of Riace’s community. This “material” strategy was accompanied by a narrative about the identity of Riace, rooted in characteristics that were believed to be the natural dimension of this territory. Immigration was the tool through which such characteristics could both emerge in their uniqueness and acquired an “objectivity”, making Riace a crisscrossing solidarity town where hospitality could have its revolutionary role. The use of arts and culture helped to both promote non-verbal communication between different groups and promote intercultural dialogue as well as support migrants in language acquisition. The strenuous attempts at revitalizing the stagnant socio-economic system can serve as a model for other communities facing similar challenges and serve as a blueprint for a new societal model based on hospitality, integration, and solidarity.
In areas like Riace Superiore and Riace Marina that face the infusion of emigration and immigration a sense of common identity becomes challenging. People who arrive from the sea as immigrants consider the territory as a land of hope, where safety is possible in global uncertainty. They offer their own identity in the hope to be welcomed and respected. In this process of relocating, as in all the long history of arrivals in Calabria starting from the Greek period, the land is perceived distinctively by different people who arrive and leave.
The relational identity of each “double village” in the region is peculiar in terms of architecture and lifestyle. The marinas of most of the Calabrian villages lack their own unique cultural and built identity whereas in their counterpart historical villages in the mountains like Riace Superiore, this identity still exists. The architectural identity of the historical core of Calabrian villages consisting of the vaulted corridors, little piazzas where citizens gather for everyday chit-chats, to the local bar of the village all have their important roles to play in terms of social inclusion in the Riace model. These centers are welcoming places, a paradigm of the concept of solidarity condominium for the natural empathy they offer, which is the result of their intrinsic nature that has always facilitated relationships. They are the places of “community-making” around around which daily life takes place. A village provides the right space to have an atmosphere of belonging, creates an environment for interaction, and most importantly, the sense of autonomous responsibility. These spaces encourage a heightened social interaction and become the backstage for cultural exchange. The historical centers have a strong symbolic and identity dimension, and the involvement of civil society in the Riace model has been instrumental in creating a positive and inclusive environment that has benefited both the locals and the immigrants.
The development model itself has taken new forms and advanced creatively by implementing innovative projects and progressing on the lines of sustainability. The progress is remarkable from ‘Riace village’ to ‘Riace, City of Hospitality’ and then to eventually become the Riace Model in terms of its identity and as project experience.
Secondly, Riace’s popularity and advancements inspired nearby villages to follow the paths already laid and thus the model spread to many other villages in Calabria. This fusion of projects gave birth to the “Dorsal of hospitality” in association with villages Stignano, Caulonia, and Riace itself. The Horizontal Mainstreaming of the Riace Model was one of a kind in the territorial context of Calabria. Besides facilitating social inclusion and fostering economic development, the workshops, restoration, and sustainability projects developed also included a strong messages of unity and solidarity. These messages are reflected in the handicrafts, artwork, and public services that the projects produce. One of the key messages that the projects spread is that the local history of Riace is a history of migration. This in turn created the SPRAR or SAI system of hosting and integrating refugees which is a monumental development for Italy with regards to inclusion and solidarity.
The ‘solidarity tourism’ that was set in motion in Riace offers various Italian and international scout associations, school camps, and many international tourists a cultural exchange experience with an option to participate in the restoration and sustainability projects together with locals and refugees.
Finally, the model gave birth to multitude of associations and central level policies by the Regional government of Calabria and legislated law no. 18 the “Reception of asylum seekers, refugees and social, economic and cultural development of local communities” which incorporates the Riace model thereby, institutionalizing it at the regional level.
Riace as a resilient community-
Economy-The vulnerability that immigrants and Riacesi people faced in terms of the economy, especially after the denial of SPRAR funding demand a sustainable model where the village can thrive without the public means of support. Since there already exists a network of villages curated during the model, this can help in creating the circular economy of the cluster. By introducing production, cooperation, and market hubs, ensure the most effective way of utilizing the industrial resources thereby creating job opportunities. This can also bring in the space for Agro and culinary tourism activities. The idea of separate currency during the Riace model can be implemented in the network of villages to provide autonomy. Heritage, culture, and the model itself have to be valorized through niche tourism and rebranding of the cultural identity.
Society-The key actors of a resilient community are the people who live in the community. Community gardens and kitchen where the residents can come together and work. Language training and cultural mediation has to be ensured. Centre for active aging the strategy which SNAI has proposed has to be implemented in the pilot area by taking into account of the diversity of the people who are going to use the space. Community festivals and events are to be used as a tool for integration.
Environment-Landslide and soil erosion prone areas to be enhanced to use new terraced farming techniques, natural parks, and hospitality areas. Abandoned buildings should be refurbished and reused for community needs. These renovations have to be done by taking into account of sustainability of the materials used and the overall character of the village. Neighbouring Camini village is a good example and can be replicated in other villages.
Governance-The main stakeholders SNAI and SAI should propose interventions together for the development of the community. A transparent mode of administration must be ensured.
The juxtaposition of the administrative systems of SNAI and SAI already present in the country are the important pillars for the solution of this concept. Both bodies play a pivotal role in the socio-economic context of the Italian society in varying ways. Currently, there is no interaction happening and there is a plethora of potentials and possibilities if both these systems infuse, interact and work alongside each other. This combination of resources with territorial development can bring about different actors and players that the respective systems offer and aid in a holistic development. The answer lies in harnessing multiple realities and different realms of actions. One aspect of which was rather overlooked in the Riace narrative. An approach where the community works ’within’ by interacting with the neighboring villages. This facilitates a shared pool of resources for a wholesome improvement. This system of horizontal mainstreaming will enhance the urban environment of all the surrounding villages involved and propagate a regenerative development of the cluster and beyond. The intention is not to create a perfect Utopia, but to create a resilient community that works for the benefit of the whole. It can be achieved by a democratic initiation of equal opportunity and participation from groups of people from various cultural identity. Each intervention can be effectively targeted to be inclusive of ethnicity, age and culture. Another factor that must be taken into consideration is migration. If history has taught anything, it is inevitable, multitude of societies are going to use the same environment through different passages of time. Therefore, flexibility and adaptability cannot be forsaken. Although while creating a flexible environment, the visual and cultural identity of the space that existed for centuries can neither be forgotten nor limited. This strong sense of local identity must be favored, utilized and valorized for the advantage of the area.
The elements of the Riace experience that could be replicated or transferred to other places, groups of beneficiaries, and contexts include:
Holistic approach to reception: Riace’s approach to reception, which is focused on integration and development, has been adopted by many organizations and local authorities. This approach could be adapted and developed to suit other places, groups, and contexts.
Strong territorial roots: The strong connection with the local community, characterized by the involvement of volunteers, social workers, and representatives of the local community in the governing bodies of organizations, is a wonderful way to integrate and bridge the gap.
Wide range of opportunities: The offer of a wider range of opportunities beyond those provided for by conventional reception projects, aimed at promoting full autonomy for the people welcomed and the local.
Micro-models of plural welfare: The plural welfare system, where the Locals and Immigrants equally benefit from the welfare system can be adapted to suit other contexts.
Focus on autonomy: The focus on promoting full autonomy for the people welcomed, including job acquisition, housing stability, financial independence, and the ability to plan one’s own future life path, could be replicated in other places.
These elements, along with the methodology, technology, processes, and learnings from the Riace experience, could be used to replicate and adapt the experience to suit other places, groups, and contexts. By learning from the successes and challenges of the Riace experience, other organizations and local authorities can adopt and develop similar approaches to support the integration and development of refugees and migrants in their communities. The key is to be flexible and adapt the approach to suit the specific needs and context of each new community, while retaining the focus on promoting autonomy and integration.
The concept of Riace’s holistic approach to reception addresses several global challenges related to migration and refugee crisis. Firstly, it addresses the challenge of integration and social inclusion by focusing on the development of people welcomed, instead of just providing them with basic needs. The emphasis on autonomy, job acquisition, housing stability, financial independence, and the ability to plan their own future helps refugees and migrants to become a part of the local community and lead a dignified life.
Secondly, it tackles the challenge of parallel welfare systems for migrants and refugees, which creates an unequal and segregated society. The micro-models of plural welfare, practiced in Riace, is a more inclusive and integrated approach that creates a more just society.
Thirdly, the wide range of services offered beyond conventional reception projects, helps in addressing the challenge of ensuring full autonomy and independence of refugees and migrants, who are often dependent on external aid. This helps them to break the cycle of dependence and become self-sufficient members of the community.
Fourthly, the strong connection with the local community, through the involvement of volunteers, social workers, and representatives of the local community in the governing bodies of organizations, addresses the challenge of building a more inclusive and cohesive society. This approach helps in fostering a positive relationship between refugees, migrants, and the local community, which is crucial in overcoming prejudices and creating a harmonious society.
In conclusion, Riace’s experience provides local solutions to global challenges by promoting integration, autonomy, and inclusiveness through a holistic approach to reception.
