We talk a lot about the critical economic, social and cultural situation that Rome has been living for several decades. San Lorenzo district can provide as an example, as an important historical, urban and working-class landmark that is experiencing an increasing downfall to the eyes of those who live it and love it. This is an ongoing tendency due to diverse factors, such as environmental degradation, social realities and needs that are often at odds with each other, lack of shared measures for regeneration and, more generally, the perception of a social and historical space and heritage that have been lost or that are feeble and fragmented.
Even if suffering, San Lorenzo district still represents a place of great interest and great potential both economically and culturally speaking. This is why realities and occasions of cultural and professional resistance still exist, though fragile when facing complex issues such as widespread criminality, lack of regulation, lack of a common sense of belonging and, most of all, the risk of real estate underselling and its possible consequences of economic speculation and ‘wild’ gentrification. Can the potential of such district become a reality of social, urban and cultural sustainable development accessible to all? Can culture and creativity become means for active engagement, growth and space regeneration? Past experiences show that the redevelopment of urban areas through deployment of cultural and creative activities can happen. If others succeeded, why couldn’t we?
Thus RUFA is willing to bring San Lorenzo such redevelopment activities and involve its inhabitants and regulars at the same time. This is why communication must be strong enough to hit emotionally the people of San Lorenzo and make them aware of the potentiality of their district and what active role it can have for its own rebirth.
