Lost in Translation? Towards a comparative interpretation of Italian urban form

ABSTRACT

This article explores the extent to which Italian cities share the characteristics highlighted in ‘classical’ urban land use models derived from Burgess. Examples from a range of Italian cities are used to illustrate the differences, seen in terms of urban Italy's economic, political and cultural context, but also to highlight and explain the many points of similarity. Indeed, there are some signs that Italian cities are becoming less distinctive in form over time, with the traditional prestige of the centre weakening and decentralisation gaining momentum. Familiar global processes are affecting Italian cities no less than those closer to home, but particularities of the urban form will remain, because local factors, often deeply-rooted in urban social relationships and in the existing built environment, have, if anything, assumed even more importance in recent decades.