CORSICO’S RED LINE- LINKED_TO THE [H]EART[H]. Un elemento tecnologico di riconnessione urbana, inclusivo e resiliente

The paper presents the “Red Line - linked_to the [h]eart[h]” project, a multifunctional and continuous pathway designed to transform the main public spaces of Corsico (MI). The aim was to develop a physical and conceptual link between three key areas of intervention (focus) able to enhance connectivity, encourage social interaction, and boost ecological resilience. The project began with a detailed analysis, including site surveys, interviews, an Urban Greening Factor (UGF) assessment, and a microclimate study. Moreover, the proposed activities and functions in the intervention zones were informed by the needs of the community, derived from patterns of public space use and user feedback. Beyond aesthetics, the Red Line project integrated vegetation as a climate-responsive technology to improve outdoor comfort, drawing on current and projected microclimatic data. Strategies like rain gardens, permeable surfaces, and cool materials were employed to design urban climate “refuges” capable of adapting to extreme weather conditions such as heat waves and heavy rainfall. The final proposal significantly increased the green infrastructure and strengthened urban resilience, demonstrating the effectiveness of the interventions in the three focuses. Overall, this initiative offers a blueprint for transforming Corsico into a more inclusive and climate-resilient city, addressing both social and environmental challenges.