Heritage-driven urban regeneration: The example of casa Macchi in Morazzone (Italy)

Heritage preservation is considered a promising solution to revitalize inland and rural areas, currently facing problems related to impoverishment. However, initiatives of urban regeneration through heritage preservation should integrate also sustainability, social inclusion, development of infrastructure and services for residents and enhancement of visitors’ engagement. This study presents some outcomes of the urban regeneration process of Morazzone (Italy) through restoration of historic building Casa Macchi, transformed into a house-museum. The restoration project was conducted by FAI, the most important non-profit foundation in the Cultural Heritage sector cooperating with various private and public stakeholders. The project was also the core of a public/private partnership including Lombardy Region and Morazzone’s Municipality. The methodological approach had the twofold aim of preserving heritage and fostering social inclusion and economic growth of the nearby territory. A balance was sought among architectural preservation, technological systems implementation, and sustainability. Some preliminary beneficial consequences have been already identified, e.g., job employment, opening of new business and commercial activities, community participation, and attraction of additional fundings for further development of the town growth. The effectiveness of the project will be continuously monitored in the next future to assess the short- and long-term effects of the urban regeneration.