M E D I T E R R A N E A N     U R B A N I S M

The research starts from the studies of prof. Besim Hakim that revealed how the growth and shape of the historic cities of the Mediterranean and the Near East have occurred through a process of morphogenesis based on generative aspects verifiable in the organization and growth of living organisms. The proven quality and efficiency of historical urban forms provide clear and validating proof of the positive effects of the generative process in the field of urban planning. This motivates the research investigation concerning the adoption of generative concepts to develop a unique urban regeneration tool which is here called "Generative Program". This is a simple step-by-step procedure, guided and codified as a computer algorithm, similar to that which guides the information contained in the DNA of living beings during the growth and development phase.

The thesis is that a generative program for urban regeneration is more adaptable, and responsive to the complex dynamics that characterize historical cities in the contemporary era. More specifically, the underlying objective is to ensure a fair balance of the built environment during the process of change and growth. This can be achieved by establishing equity in the distribution of rights and responsibilities among the various stakeholders through a generative program that has as its reference a set of ethical principles, rules and a decision-making system that best meets the needs of civil society.

The research focuses on generative processes and programs for the regeneration of cities and historic districts; these considered the best choice for the first experimentation of such programs as they are already products of such processes nowadays abandoned.