interview: Sophie Renhuldt
In a recent press conference held in the Tergeste Hall, Michele Babuder, the Assessor for Territorial Policies, unveiled the comprehensive data gleaned from the participatory platform concerning the ambitious redevelopment endeavor for Barcola’s waterfront.
This unveiling, attended by a diverse audience including officials such as Beatrice Micovilovich, the architect from the Territorial Department for Environment, Public Works, and Heritage, shed light on the outcomes of the community engagement initiative spearheaded by the Municipality.
The participatory phase, initiated on December 1st of the preceding year and culminating on January 15th, witnessed a multifaceted approach. Notably, it encompassed the activation of an online platform for anonymous and non-repetitive questionnaire submissions, complemented by the physical presence of the Public Relations Office’s Mobile Unit in various neighborhoods of Trieste. This concerted effort aimed to disseminate project information, distribute and collect paper questionnaires, and provide guidance on online submissions.
During the conference, Babuder expressed gratitude towards Regional Assessor Riccardo Riccardi for the allocation of 6.2 million euros in municipal funds, earmarked to commence additional restoration efforts following storm-related damages.
Detailing the questionnaire results, Babuder disclosed that out of 4,531 platform users, approximately 78% initiated but did not complete the survey, which comprised 33 points, half of which allowed for open-ended responses. The online questionnaire, completed by 2,372 users, alongside 85 paper submissions, formed the basis for analysis, with an average completion time of 14 minutes and 56 seconds.
The demographic breakdown showcased participation spanning various age groups: 11.4% between 15 and 30 years old, 43.8% between 30 and 50 years old, and 44.6% over 50 years old.
Emphasizing the value of citizen input, Babuder underscored its utility in both short-term and long-term planning, underscoring plans to collaborate with the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region for optimal utilization of expanded spaces toward the sea.
Micovilovich, in turn, highlighted ongoing efforts to categorize citizen inputs by thematic relevance, leveraging artificial intelligence to discern actionable insights beneficial not only for the Barcola project but also for broader municipal design endeavors.
The Barcola redevelopment initiative, grounded in community feedback, pivots on three pivotal pillars: safeguarding the coastal area amidst rising sea levels and frequent storm surges, enhancing its cultural significance, and fostering collaboration between municipal and regional stakeholders to expedite the realization of a safer, more accessible waterfront.
Ultimately, the objectives remain focused on defending and expanding the coastal strip, promoting sustainable development, enhancing services, nurturing environmental quality, and encouraging sustainable mobility—a testament to the collaborative spirit driving Trieste’s urban evolution.
