Functions and Values of Peri-Urban Areas: A Multifunctional Perspective from EU to Lombardy Region Policies

Abstract

The European Landscape Convention is the reference document for the Regional Landscape Plan (RLP) of Lombardy (PTR-PPR in Testo integrato degli elaborati approvati, 2010) that fully assumes its principles. The RLP covers the whole regional territory including “natural, rural, urban and Peri-Urban areas” providing dedicated policies by protection rules and addresses. In particular, great attention is paid to “landscapes that might be considered outstanding as well as every day or degraded landscapes”. The new Regional Landscape Plan now under preparation focuses on a part of the Region defined as a “neglected area” in the present plan, covering the Milan metropolitan region and part of the Padana valley. This area is characterized by dense and sprawling urban settlements, residual open space, marginal agriculture, but also by valuable ancient rural settlements, monasteries and lasting countryside. It is therefore important to investigate character and typologies composing this space, involving about seven million citizens living or working there, in the perspective of strengthening the relationships between territorial and landscape planning and to enhance its multifunctionality.