BORGHI E CENTRI STORICI

Borghi & Centri Storici

Borghi e Centri storici ” is the initiative dedicated to renovation
and enhancement of the heritage of hamlets and historical centres.

After its success in 2010, the next MADE expo in Milan from 5 to 8 October 2011 will host the second edition of “Hamlets and Historical Centres”. This addresses redevelopment and enhancement of the huge heritage of over 5,000 hamlets and historical centres throughout Italy, a true expression and resource of made-in-Italy.

Over 70% of Italian towns in fact have fewer than 5,000 inhabitants, making a grand total of more than 10 million people. The 5,800 “minor” towns are home to over 180,000 SMEs and around 5,000 typical products. They are chosen by 42% of the foreign tourists that come to Italy every year. The picture is that of a community that also enjoys a high quality of human relationships, capable of setting in motion virtuous circles and making the surrounding area more attractive.

Against this backdrop, “Hamlets & Historical Centres”, promoted by MADE expo in collaboration with Borghi Srl, aims to be a benchmark for this phenomenon, the main moment for collation between local administration, experts from the world of design and building. It is a chance to present the chain’s high technical and cognitive skills in restoration, design, bio-architecture and new energy sources at the service of a large-scale strategic plan for Italy, also seen as a way of attracting foreign investment. Lots of room is also given over to matching design and local investment opportunities with operators in demand, finance and real estate.

The importance of this issue has raised awareness with bodies and institutions attentive to protection and recognition of Italy’s cultural heritage, which this year come together in a Scientific Committee that, among others, includes: Italian Touring Club, Federcostruzioni (Italian building industry Federation), Fondazione con il Sud (Foundation for social infrastructure in the south of Italy), Invitalia (national Agency for inward investment promotion and enterprise), ANCI (national Association of Italian municipalities), Lega delle Cooperative (League of cooperatives), Federculture (national Federation of companies managing services, cultural and leisure time activities), FOCUS Study Centre (Rome University), Cresme (Centre for economic and social market research regarding building and land development), Ministry for Economic Development, Ministry for Cultural Heritage.

Hamlets and historical centres, as an authentic expression of culture and local traditions, can be an incomparable resource for made-in-Italy, around which an integrated public-private plan can be catalysed. They can promote new forms of tourism hospitality, creating territorial marketing, commercial and service activities, as well as setting up the recuperation of the building and landscape heritage typical of these places, hereby slowing exodus and ageing of the population in small villages.

The event therefore intends to involve all parties interested in renovation and enhancement of a heritage that is part of Italy’s national identity: bodies, administrations, development agencies, tourist and real estate operators, investors, chambers of commerce and also designers and companies committed to the development of products, technologies and technical solutions ideal for renovation and better use of this cultural heritage. A partnership of tradition and innovation that may well represent a fundamental asset for relaunch of development processes for more inland, needy areas in Italy.

With the patronage of: