Sense of belonging in Milan: the role of the redevelopment of Piazza Dergano on the sense of belonging of neighbourhood residents in Bovisa-Dergano

Abstract

This paper examines how the physical transformation of Piazza Dergano influences the longer- term sense of belonging of neighbourhood residents in Bovisa-Dergano, Milan. The study investigates how neighbourhood residents experience a feeling of connectedness to other people, a feeling of place attachment to the neighbourhood, and a sense of belonging to the local community, and how this is influenced through the physical transformation of a public square. Through systematic observations and in-depth interviews, this study oCers a grounded, context- specific understanding of the relation between the physical transformation of urban public spaces and the sense of belonging of neighbourhood residents. Findings reveal that a feeling of relational connectedness to neighbours is constituted through social interactions with familiar people in familiar places which over time can develop into a sense of belonging. Additionally, the study shows that creating opportunities for social interactions is important to develop a feeling of attachment to people and place. Lastly, the study reveals that physical transformations need to be combined with programming of social activities and events for people from diCerent social groups to come together and create a longer-term sense of belonging across social boundaries. Findings underscore the importance of urban design strategies that integrate an understanding of the lived experiences of neighbourhood residents. This study contributes to theoretical debates on the role of public spaces in the social life of urban communities.