A New Face for the Ex-Scalo Ravone District in Bologna

In Bologna, an ambitious urban regeneration project is taking shape—one that aims to redefine the concept of community space and environmental sustainability. Work has started on creating a new district dedicated to mutualism, innovation, and collaborative economy. This major redevelopment of the Ex-Scalo Ravone is being carried out by a team coordinated by Settanta7—responsible for general coordination and architectural design—alongside West8, Rizoma Architecture, Studio Perillo, La Stanza C, Vibes, Studio Valle Progettazione, and Sidel Ingegneria.

Commissioned by the Municipality of Bologna as part of the “City of Knowledge” program and developed by RTI Operazione – Aedinovis, the project goes far beyond a simple building renovation. The goal is to transform a fragmented area, currently dominated by vehicular traffic, into a new, accessible, and car-free community space.

An Urban Park for the Community

The project envisions the creation of an urban park featuring new cultural venues, sports facilities, green pathways, and the restoration of existing structures through structural consolidation techniques and targeted energy efficiency improvements. The entire area—currently divided between public and private uses—will be returned to the community, offering pedestrian and cycling routes, recreational areas, and native plantings to support local biodiversity.

The redevelopment process will focus on seven main buildings, each reimagined for a new purpose: from a multipurpose center for events, cultural, and sports activities, to co-working spaces, laboratories, and a series of bistros and exhibition venues.

A Virtuous Model of Integrated Design

The outdoor areas, conceived as large thematic zones, will host social, recreational, and cultural activities. The Agorà—a large green clearing replacing the current parking lot—will become the beating heart of the district, a gathering place for events and outdoor meetings. The Hidden Garden will offer an intimate, secluded atmosphere, while the Woodland Garden will act as a threshold to the Urban Forest, marking the transition from built space to nature.

The Sports Plaza will revitalize a critical area with new playgrounds and shaded zones, while the Urban Forest, created through the planting of medium-to-tall trees, will complete the design of the entire project. A pedestrian and cycling bridge will directly connect the park to the Prati di Caprara, forming a continuous green corridor.

The redevelopment of the Ex-Scalo Ravone stands as a virtuous example of integrated regeneration, where architecture, ecology, and community converge to return meaningful spaces to the public.

>>> Work begins on the restoration of the Fulgor Cinema in Bologna

Rendering courtesy of Settanta7