by InTrieste
The City of Trieste has officially launched the initial operational phase of “Progetto Scintille,” an urban regeneration initiative focused on the San Giacomo district. The effort aims to revitalize public spaces, green areas, and community services, with the goal of enhancing the neighborhood’s environmental and urban quality.
Michele Babuder, the city’s Councillor for Territorial Policies, announced that the project has secured €2.45 million in funding from the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia. The resources will be used for the planning of targeted interventions in the area, part of a broader strategy to address the evolving needs of one of Trieste’s most densely populated and historically significant neighborhoods.
As part of the upcoming phase, city planners will initiate a listening and consultation process involving residents, local organizations, and institutional stakeholders. The participatory effort, scheduled to run through the summer, is intended to help identify priorities for redevelopment by directly engaging those who live and work in the area.
Eddi Dalla Betta, director of the city’s Urban Planning Service, emphasized the importance of community input in shaping the project’s direction. “We want to understand what residents need most—whether it’s improved green spaces, better infrastructure, or enhanced public services,” he said.
To guide the participatory process, the city has brought in external experts, including architects from the firm Archpiùdue Architetti Associati and urban planner Stefano Carbone. Both were selected through a public call based on their methodological approach and past work in urban regeneration, including award-winning projects in Mestre and Treviso.
San Giacomo, long known for its working-class roots and vibrant cultural mix, has been the focus of attention in recent years as the city seeks to promote more inclusive and sustainable urban development. With “Progetto Scintille,” Trieste officials hope to set a new model for collaborative planning that could be extended to other neighborhoods in the future.
