May 19, 2009 - Boboli owned by the Polo Museale; il Forte Belvedere managed by the District of Florence; and the Giardino. Bardini administered by the Ente ...
MANAGEMENT PLAN Update and Monitoring 2008 The historical center of Florence World Heritage UNESCO
THE
MANAGEMENT PLAN HISTORICAL CENTER OF FLORENCE, APPROVEDE BY CITY COUNCIL IN 19 MAY 2009, IS EDITED BY THE CULTURAL ADMINISTRATION OFFICE OF THE HISTORICAL CENTER - WORLD HERITAGE UNESCO OF THE LOCAL AUTHORITY OF CULTURE OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF FLORENCE. MONITORING AND UPDATE OF THE
OF THE
PARTY
RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OFFICE AND THE COORDINATION
OF THE PROJECT:
CARLO FRANCINI SPECIAL THANKS GO TO THE BOARD OF CENTER AND THE PILOTING COMMITTEE
THE
HISTORIC
FOR THEIR ACTIVE
PARTICIPATION DURING ALL STAGES OF THIS PROJECT.
TRANSLATED BY CHIARA PASSERINI ADRIANA VARELA
" The monitoring of the management plan will be carried out by the Office of the Historical Center World Heritage UNESCO and will consist of two different levels of evaluation: 1) the verification of the advancement of intervention projects and the potential accomplishment of their goals. Actions will be monitored in collaboration with the entities that promote individual projects through trimester checks of said entities. The verifications will also be useful in identifying the validity of the projects and their potential replacement or expansion. 2) the verification of efficiency of the Management Plan and the evaluation of its mid and long-term effects on the territory. Considering the complexity of the site, the newness of this management tool and its importance of coordinating and managing both its cultural and landscape heritage, it is considered appropriate to proceed with a biennial evaluation of its efficiency. In this way the Management Plan can be updated and adjusted according to any actual changes in Florence and the specific needs that emerge." taken from the Management Plan 2006-2008 p. 85
INTRODUCTION 1. THE MONITORING
5
6
1.1 Plan of Action for preservation, conservation and development 1.1.1 Project for the Recovery of Piazza Santa Maria Novella 1.1.2 The Great Boboli, greenway of the Oltrarno Project 1.1.3 Project for the Path of the Prince 1.1.4 New Uffizi Project 1.2 Plan of Action for research and awareness
9
1.2.1 The City of Restoration Project 1.2.2 “History of Florence” Website Project 1.2.3 Project GIS for the management and development of the archaeological heritage of Florence’s historical center 1.2.4 Project DAVID (Digital Archive and VIrtual Documentation) 1.2.5 The Historic Center Office of World Heritage UNSECO website Project 1.2.6 Project for “Transforming the historical center of Florence - Critical survey to upgrade the urban landscape” 1.3 Plan of Action for mobility and the environment
13
1.3.1 Project “Florence goods” 1.3.2 Project Tramvia 1.3.3 Bicycle Path Project 1.3.4 Project Agenda 21 1.3.5 Project “Upgrading urban spaces in the historical center” 1.4 Plan of action for tourism
16
1.4.1 Art Routes in Florence and Historic Shops Project 1.4.2 Museum Card Project 1.4.3 Project for “New technologies for the enhancement of the historic center”
Summary tables
19
Introduction
The Management Plant 2006/2008: reflections
with the city’s image, the management of the world
and ideas for the new Plan
heritage sites and the management of tourism. The observatory should consist of several representatives
With this report the course of the Management Plan
from the institutions that adhere to the protocol and
2006/2008 officially ends. The choice to work within
the operative branch of the Office of the Historic Centre
such a brief span of time is essentially tied to the
of Florence – World Heritage UNESCO. One of the focal
experimental nature of the Management Plans and, as
points of the next Management Plan should be to
often
the
define the buffer zone of the UNESCO site. In this area,
conclusion of the administrative mandate from the
working with the University of Florence on the Urban
district council. Thus it is a moment of reflection and
Landscape, there will be a precious instrument to
evaluation; with the new administration we are ready to
define the boundaries of the respective zone in order to
launch the new Management Plan. The experiences of
launch procedures with MiBAC and World Heritage
these
the
UNESCO. The creation of the buffer zone will be a
happens,
past
Management
its
years Plan
expiration
have
tangible sign of the active protection of the UNESCO site in response to the new challenge for the historic
efficient instrument for the management and sharing of
centres where, from the Vienna Memorandum (2005)
the heritage as it is intended in its broader meaning.
onwards, the management of the urban landscape is
The work carried out by the board and the Steering
considered a priority. These are only two examples that
Committee was not limited to checking the plans of
stand out from the work of the past years. I would like
action noted in the Management Plan (which are
to conclude by pointing out another theme: awareness.
mentioned in the pages to follow); it also faced the
How much of the work carried out by institutions,
multiple aspects of managing a historic centre. Special
associations,
emphasis
of
awareness of citizens and visitors that they are part of
degradation;
those resource
a
situations
is
able
to
impact
the
a heritage that is unique to the world, as well as to other UNESCO sites, and that it is the responsibility of
in the restoration of piazza SS. Annunziata and in the
each one of us to do something so that it is handed
reconstruction of the Archaeology Museum’s entryway).
down to future generations? This is a theme that needs
It is within the image of the city that the Steering
considerable and detailed work; it is the subject of
Committee asked the office to carry out a more decisive
important
role. For the Management Plans to come, in light of
field. Perhaps individual awareness of this value is the
some of the institutional tasks of the Office of the
most ambitious goal, but one that annihilates the rest.
Historic Centre of Florence – World Heritage UNESCO,
I would like to quote this essential statement made by
priorities must be identified. One of these priorities
Cristina Acidini, Director of the Polo Museale Fiorentino
could see the creation of a Permanent Observatory for
and
the Historic Centre of Florence with well-defined tasks.
“Florence is World Heritage. We should remember that
For example, a complete collection of data related to
each morning.”
the Historic Centre, the possibility to express opinions
Let us work towards that.
on
Florence, 15 May 2009
guidelines
efforts
volunteers
were
issue
and
serving
concentrated to obtain immediate results (for example
projects,
willpower
on
from
how
purely
placed
go
emphasized
with
theoretical and research-based function to being an
was
can
coincides
pertinent
to
the
Management Plan’s tasks, especially those that deal
5
the
investments,
City
of
especially
Florence,
in
a
in
the
recent
education
interview:
Carlo Francini
1. The Monitoring
1.1 Plan of Action for preservation, conservation and development 1.1.1 Project for the Recovery of Piazza Santa
1.1.2 The Great Boboli, greenway of the Oltrarno
Maria Novella
Project
Work has continued according to the established plan.
The itinerary foresees visits to three gardens that
After demolition of the central portion of the piazza, we
belong to three differing insitutions: il Giardino di
have moved on to creating the flower beds framed by
Boboli owned by the Polo Museale; il Forte Belvedere
Corten steel gutters to collect water flow, and which
managed by the District of Florence; and the Giardino
appear as an integral part of the new pavement as they
Bardini administered by the Ente Cassa di Risparimo di
are leveled on the same plane.
Firenze.
This has also allowed for timely digging which is
The
necessary for the placement of a water collection
reconfirmed by the use of the Boboli-Bardini tract.
depository and for the creation of an underground
Access to the Fore del Belvedere, however, is practically
technical room in which the irrigation system for the
impossible
eight flower beds will be held.
summer 2008.
Another extremely important element which constitutes
Numerous exhibits have been held in the Palazzo Pitti
the next phase of the improvement works is the
complex and in the Villa Bardini over the course of the
creation of a lighting system which, apart from its
year,
inherent safety function during evening hours, has the
communicating the itinerary.
goal of improving the appearance of the piazza and its
It is necessary to note the continuous work of the Ente
monuments and buildings.
Cassa del Risparmio for the maintenance of the Parco
The chosen lighting solution includes a system of
Bardini. Likewise, the effort put in by the Polo Museale
projectors placed under the eaves which will partially
to maintain the Giardino di Boboli at its highest levels
illuminate the facades of the buildings and the piazza,
as it is a park of incomparable beauty and influence.
and others which instead will illuminate the monuments
Thus the success of the initiative, one that represents
of the church's facade, the tombs and the facade of the
an extraordinary opportunity for visitors and residents
Ospedale di S. Paolo.
alike,
We can also confirm the creation of an underground
Belvedere.
system for trash collection, thanks to QUADRIFOGLIO Spa, which is the pilot system for our city and the first in a series of similar interventions which will be placed in the city center. The completion of works is scheduled for April 2009.
6
positive
and
results
due
to
have
continues,
from
the
2007
tragic
been
despite
an
the
are
event
substantially
that
important
lack
of
occurred
means
the
of
Forte
1.1.3 Project for the "Path of the Prince"
1.1.4 “New Uffizi” Project
Currently, the "Path of the Prince" is limited to the Vasarian
The New Uffizi project was inserted into the Plan of action
Corridor which connects the Uffizi Gallery to the Pitti Palace.
for protection, conservation and development of the
From October 14 to December 31, 2008 it was possible to
Management Plan of the Historic Center Office of Florence
reserve a visit to the Corridor by booking with Firenze Musei
in the Monitoring and Update of 2007. The current state
(055 2654321), led by a guide from the ex-ATM (Assistente
of
Tecnico Museale) museum staff Tuesdays and Thursdays at
http://www.nuoviuffizi.it,
9.00 am and 11.30 am, Wednesdays and Fridays at 2.00 pm
detailed information about the works taking place are
and 4.30 pm. Visits organized by the licensed company
available along with information about the entire Uffizi
Firenze Musei have likewise continued daily, including
complex and its operating plan. As stated during an
Saturdays and Sundays.
interview with Superintendent Paola Grifoni, head of the
works
can
be
viewed where
on the
the time
website table
and
project, once the initial problems critical to organizing the The main problems encountered in the project are linked to
work site were resolved, works continue as planned and
the difficulty of finding the necessary personnel to staff the
have been divided into six homogeneous logistic areas:
visits, given the shortage at the Uffizi. In 2008 the visits were
Homogenous Area 1 Magliabechiana, Homogeneous Area
made possible thanks to funds made available by The
2 southeast – Veliti, Homogenous Area 3 southwest,
Progetto Nazionale for ex ATM staff to pay them for their
Homogeneous Area 4 northwest, Homogenous Area 5
overtime work.
northeast, Homogenous Area 6 Piazza del Grano exit. At present the works in the northwest area are in their
From January 21 to April 30, 2009 visits to the Vasarian
completion phase, and should receive a new stairway
Corridor are scheduled to continue by the ex ATM staff just as
connecting the first and second floors, as is the area
in 2008. The licensed visits organized by Firenze Musei
called Magliabechiana, which will house the laboratory
continue to take place daily including Saturdays and Sundays.
technician personnel. The works involve the modification
Starting in September 2009 it is possible that the Corridor will
of facilities, the creation of new vertical connections,
be closed for technical reasons relating to the modification of
architectural
the air conditioning system.
restrooms and the preparation of the museum. During
restoration,
the
distribution
of
public
the modification works some interesting archaeological findings were discovered, the research on these materials can be found on the project’s website. As for this monitoring update, it is considered indispensable to underline that once these works are finished the Uffizi’s exhibition space will be doubled, as is shown in the following table, which will help in better distributing visitors and will be beneficial for the museum.
7
MUSEUM AREAS
CURRENT
PROJECT
exhibition space
6100 mq
12900 mq
study and laboratory spaces
4500 mq
5000 mq
depositories
1400 mq
950 mq
public restrooms
3100 mq
4625 mq
offices
2100 mq
1650 mq
custodian staff areas
285 mq
550 mq
8
1.2 Plan of Action for research and awareness Objectives:
1.2.1 The City of Restoration Project
The objectives of the Fondazione are to promote, The City of Restoration project is an idea that brings a
develop
breath of fresh air and great potential for an area that
activities related to restoration and conservation.
possesses one of the world’s most important artistic
Actions:
and cultural heritage sites.
The
The idea to create an institution featuring all the
outlined in a triennial plan edited by the governing
sectors that revolve around the world of restoration
institutions of the Fondazione. The main points which
originated at the same time that the decision was made
this detailed operational plan should adhere to are:
to initiate an activity that would survey awareness of
1. to pursue the mission of the Fondazione which is
the authorities present in the Florence area.
mainly that of
With this in mind the Associazione Firenze Futura has
network of all workers in the field, both public and
pursued
private, and run it effectively;
the
goal
of
obtaining
an
endowment
and
specific
increase
activities
awareness
of
the
of
the
Fondazione
various
shall
be
establishing itself as catalyst of the
(Fondazione per il Restauro) with determination, which
2. to facilitate the interaction among the participants;
should be established within the first trimester of 2009.
3. to facilitate the diffusion of information regarding
The Fondazione will have a permanent headquarters at
announcements for competitions and grants related to
the Pio Istituto de’ Bardi on Via Michelozzi.
the field even at the international level;
To begin, the website www.firenzereaturo.it has become
4. to promote the participating authorities in the field
an
on an international level using different media;
essential
tool
that
allows
for
systematic
and
comprehensive knowledge of the extraordinary variety
5. to set up specialized educational occasions, without
of authorities at work in the field of restoration in the
substituting
metropolitan area of Florence, and highlights just how
professionally, with seminars and workshops on specific
fragmented the field is.
themes that meet regularly in order to educate and
This fragmentation makes it incredibly difficult to find
update the participants;
the right path towards fruitful collaboration among
6.
participants
regarding professional updates for restorers.
if
not
encouraged
by
appropriate
coordination tools. The creation of the Fondazione Città del Restauro meets the need of increasing awareness and appreciation of the many individuals who, when put together, make up a crucial part of the socio-economic and cultural life of the Florentine territory. The Fondazione itself as the first and rudimentary element of a potential – even if it has not yet been formalized nor recognized as such – district of the arts.
9
to
those
provide
who
access
already
to
work
in
scholarships
the
and
field
grants
1.2.2 “History of Florence” Website Project
1.2.3
Project
development The “History of Florence” website (Portale Storia di Firenze,
GIS of
the
for
the
management
archaeological
and
heritage
of
Florence’s historical center
www.storiadifirenze.org) is part of the plan of action for research and knowledge specified in the PDG. The website has
Florence’s archaeological GIS was created through the survey
been active since May 2004. Since September 2007 the Google
and computerization of published archaeological data and of
analytics system has made it possible to monitor of the number
documentation from a number of public archives. The
of users, which appears to be constantly increasing, reaching
archaeological information has been filed in a database and
36,256 visits during 2008 (with 83,584 pages viewed). As it is
the
divided into different sections, the website addresses the needs
Geographical Information System. The introductory phase
of scholars, specialists, and citizens in looking for news about
and review of the data is basically finished. With this tool it is
their city. The editing staff is made up of 17 members who are
now possible to view information about, and to have an
constantly occupied with updating and expanding data. The
accurate and fundamentally complete outline of, the digs that
website has its own magazine, the “Annali di Storia di Firenze”,
have taken place within the city from the 19th century to the
the third edition of which came out in December 2008, which
present in just a few seconds.
features previously unpublished essays and original research on
The continuing collaboration with the UNESCO Office of the
the history of Florence from its foundation to the present. It is
Historical Center of the Municipality of Florence will go on with
available free of charge and is also online. The activities of the
the aim of completing the first digital maps outlining
website are carried out on different levels: scientific, popular
archaeological potential and risk. These maps will be useful
and didactic. More specifically, the spring of 2008 marked the
for many urban works which require the removal of deposits
conclusion of the didactic project “Citizens in the history of
(tramvia, underground trash bins, etc.). Moreover, to make
Florence” (“Cittadini nella storia di Firenze”), promoted by the
the maps even more accurate, information from the City
Portale Ragazzi dell’Ente Cassa; in September 2008 the didactic
regarding utilities (gas, water, fiber optics, sewers, etc.) will
project “Time travels in Florence” (“Viaggi nel tempo in
be inserted in the GIS. This data will be inserted into
Firenze”) began with the collaboration of the History of Florence
archaeological information and into any geophysical findings.
website, the Children’s Website (Portale Ragazzi), and the
Once the work is finished, which should take approximately
Children’s Museum (Museo dei Ragazzi). The materials for both
one year, the maps will be shared with all the city offices and
these projects are available on the Children’s Website, which
made available online.
falls under the responsibility of the website’s editors to aid teachers’ didactic activities with lessons and related materials. This type of project aims to spread awareness about Florence’s history, with particular attention focused on reaching new generations with foreign origins so that they can better know and understand the culture of Florence and develop a deeper sense of belonging.
10
geo-referential
findings
have
been
placed
in
a
1.2.4 Project DAVID (Digital Archive and VIrtual
1.2.5 The Historic Center Office of World Heritage
Documentation)
UNSECO website Project
Throughout 2008 the Historical Center Office of World
The Historic Center Office of World Heritage UNESCO
Heritage UNESCO was able to finish the research and
website was enriched with new content and material
development activities related to Project DAVID, thanks
during 2008. The collaboration of colleagues from
to the active collaboration of the partner companies
Direzione
Centrica srl and General Engineering. The introductory
Oriano Brunetti, has allowed for constant updating of
phase of archiving the new data on the SICAR platform
the “Document Archive” and “News” sections and for
has begun along with research activities related to the
the insertion of initiatives and events organized by the
numerical evaluation of a particular building’s state of
office and the documents produced. In 2008 the
decay. As stated in an interview with Carlo Fancini,
website
head of the Historic Center Office of World Heritage
over 30,000 visits, which affirms the importance of this
UNESCO, at present the research and study phase of
tool in creating awareness about the UNESCO World
the project should be considered complete, while new
Heritage
Site
opportunities to try out the system on the Florentine
planned
and
urban fabric have presented themselves. In fact, during
Florence’s historic center. It is important to mention
the course of the year various meetings were held
that the office’s availability online has helped to foster
locally to introduce the project to interested parties,
contacts,
who verified a strong interest in implementing the
organizations and institutions of other UNESCO World
system. Furthermore, the Project was the subject of a
Heritage Sites, both national and international.
financing request to the Ministry of Arts and Culture for
Currently,
a total of 100,000 euro; a sum that if approved, will
bel_Vedere_firenze organized by the Cultural Council
allow
and the Università degli Studi di Firenze at the Archivio
for
integration
of
the
developed
system
to
restoration sites and education of the engineering personnel. Further details and information about the objectives and goals of the project, the methods and the activities carried out are available at the website http://www.progettodavid.it/.
11
Servizi
Informativi,
and
in
particular
http://www.comune.firenze.it/unesco/
and
about
carried
networking
the
the
out
to
and
catalogue
activities protect
exchanges
for
Storico Comunale is available online.
the
had
which
and
of
are
improve
with
the
exhibition
1.2.6
Project
for
“Transforming
the
historical
last semester, in collaboration with the Cultural Administration
center of Florence - Critical survey to upgrade the
of the Municipality of Florence and the University, we worked to
urban landscape”
organize and plan the exhibition bel_Vedere_Firenze, the graphic design of image used for the exhibition’s informative
The first part of research dealt with the identification, survey
material, the editing and design of the exhibition catalogue.
and compilation of data about the panoramic Belvedere sites
The bel_Vedere_Firenze exhibition opened on 20 December
accessible to the public, situated along the “green walk” that
2009 at the Archivio Storico of the Municipality of Florence on
goes from Porta Romana to Palazzo Mozzi, and passes through
Via dell’Oriuolo 33 and will close on 15 February 2009.
the Boboli gardens, Forte Belvedere and the Bardini garden;
The exhibition and its catalogue are curated and edited by Dr.
and of the network of visual relations that exists from these
Carlo Francini and Dr. Carolina Capitanio. The exhibition shows
places. Two views, one from Piazzale Michelangelo, and one
reproductions of the information cards for the Belvedere sites
from San Miniato al Monte, were also analyzed as focal points of
found along the southern hill of Florence, facing north. They are
another “green walk” that goes from Piazza Poggi, climbs the
from the Bardini garden, the Forte Belvedere, the Boboli
stairways up to Piazzale Michelangelo and proceeds towards the
garden, Piazzale Michelangelo and the Church of San Miniato al
church of San Miniato al Monte and the Cemetery of the Porte
Monte. In order to emphasize the historical and aesthetic
Sante.
connection between the city and the Belvedere sites, a
A photographic survey was carried out along the entire green
selection of historic views were chosen from the Archivio
route, with the intention of identifying the various panoramic
Storico del Comune di Firenze and from the Museo Storico
views of the historic center of Florence and the network of
Topografico “Firenze com’era” and inserted in the exhibition.
existing visual relations. All of these panoramic sites uniquely
The critical survey for the same green walk from the Boboli
identify the city of Florence and its symbolic recognition which is
garden, to the Forte Belvedere and the Bardini Garden is still in
part of the world’s heritage. The Belvedere sites also highlight
its layout phase, with the goal of identifying the weaknesses,
the greater area of the UNESCO site, which from an
strengths, opportunities and threats internal and external to the
administrative and management point of view is outlined by the
system. The critical survey has been placed on a geo-referential
city’s 14th century walls. Furthermore, the Belvedere, which is
map and is managed by the GIS system. This thematic map
accessible to the public, is recognized as a landscape that needs
seeks to identify the belvedere sites, axis for visual enjoyment,
protection, as it has been a subject of public interest since the
walks for visual enjoyment, observable tree-lined zones,
legislation for the protection of natural beauty was passed in
visually attractive and unattractive elements, and areas which
1939 to the current Legislative Decree n. 42/2004 and is
interrupt the continuity of the landscape. The development of
successive modifications. A catalogue card has been created for
these thematic maps has the ultimate goal of focusing on
the Belvedere, called “B”. The model used was taken from the
subjects which illustrate both the quality of the landscape for
normative version .3 for the cataloguing of MiBac – Istituto
the historic center and identifying guidelines for the project
Centrale per il Catalogo e la Documentazione, which is available
along the network of present relations, thus creating a tool
online. Specifically, the PG card (parks and gardens) has been
which will aid in the management of the world heritage historic
modified to fit the needs of the Belvedere catalogue card. In the
centers present in Italy and Europe.
12
1.3 Plan of Action for mobility and the environment 1.3.1 Project “Florence goods”
Maria Novella –Piazza Libertà; 7.4 km), and the first plot of line 3 (Careggi –Santa Maria Novella; 4.0 km), during the
As far as the monitoring of the Project “Florence goods”
delays of the ministerial approval process of the revised
is concerned, it was communicated to this office that
definitive plan some preparatory works have taken place to
there are no updates regarding the development of the
relocate underground utilities and further studies to refine
project.
the plan have been made, in reference to the urban insertion of the tram lines and the upgrading of these
1.3.2 Project Tramvia
locations. For example, in the area of Viale Belfiore that runs from Viale Redi to Via Guido Monaco, where the
As of January 2009 the construction works for the tramvia
tramvia will cross on the surface (while traffic will use an
line 1 (Florence’s Santa Maria Novella to Scandicci, 7.6 km)
underpass), a pedestrian zone and bicycle path have been
are nearly finished, but not complete as was expected.
designed around the tram stop. This will not only provide
Further delays were caused by unforeseen difficulties which
suitable decoration, but will give the feeling of a piazza in an
came up during the work: those caused by new and even
area that at present is just a highly congested traffic
more ancient archaeological findings in Piazza Stazione and
intersection. The development of the plan to outfit the trams
by the disposal of polluted earth which was dug up. The
with installed batteries has also been completed for the
stretch that passes through Scandicci, where tests with a
autonomous gear of the trams, which will avoid installation
pre-series tram (delivered in October 2008) have begun, is
of electrical cables in the historic center in the 390 meters
practically ready. While the works to finish the depot-
between Piazza San Giovanni and the start of Via Cavour. At
workshop, also located in Scandicci, are nearly finished. As
present the concessionaire is editing operational plan, which
for the rest of the line there are a few tracts that still need
will be finished in April 2009. Once the project is approved
to be finished and the tracks have already been installed on
by the Municipal Administration, construction will begin and
the new bridge over the Arno, using the innovative
is expected to conclude in 2012. At that stage the tramvia
technique of embedded rails. We are counting on finishing
network will serve three important suburban areas of the
these works by February, in order to begin the complex
city including the historic center, but will not be entirely
system tests, after which pre-service tests will follow, with
finished as the branches along the ring roads towards
the trams circulating as if during service but without any
Rovezzano and Bagno a Ripoli must then be built in order to
passengers. The other 16 trams which are destined for line 1
cover the eastern sectors and to connect them to the
will be delivered in progressive order starting in February
opposite suburbs. A preliminary project has already been
2009. Full service to the public is set to start in summer
developed for these branches, however funding is not yet
2009. The line will be run by the GEST company, composed
available. To conclude, during 2008 the Region of Tuscany,
of the French company RAPT and ATAF, within the sphere of
the Province of Florence and the Municipality of Florence
the company Tram di Firenze, which is the concessionaire for
created the Unit for Studies of Mobility in the Florentine
the realization of lines 2 and 3 and management of the
Area (l’Unità Speciale per lo Studio della Mobilità nell’Area
entire network. Concerning line 2 (Peretola Airport – Santa
Fiorentina), which is the first of its kind and is in function.
13
1.3.3 Bicycle Path Project
Area” (“Attuazione Agenda 21 dell’Area Fiorentina”), which obtained the relative co-funding.
During 2008 operational plans for about twenty more
Organization has been intensified for the Energy and Water
kilometers of bicycle paths have been approved and which
Forum, which had its first day at the beginning of 2009. In
will be realized in the coming months, increasing the bicycle
regards to the local Network of Agenda 21 in Tuscany, work
path network from 64 to about 84 km. An important update
groups have been organized at the Municipality of Florence
regarding this eco-friendly form of transportation is the city’s
and other adherent network institutions, to work on the
incorporation
issues
of
a
bike
sharing
program,
which
has
of
Waste,
Building,
Communication
Environmental
successfully been adopted in other European cities such as
Sustainability
Paris, and in other Italian cities. The comprehensive project
(Green Public Procurement). The fourth network notebook
with its terms and specifications for the bidding of service has
“Environmental
already been handed over to the municipal administration.
Tools for the Territory” (“I sistemi di gestione ambientale
The insertion of this system in the city will encourage bicycle
come strumenti di governo del territorio”) has been printed.
usage and in particular for intermodal transfers, which will
The actions planned for the current year are:
promote synergy with both public and private transportation.
• Publication of the new RSA (State of the Environment
The municipal administration’s commitment also includes
Report) by June
maintenance of bicycle paths and racks for a total of 850
• Closure of the Energy and Water Forum by March
small-scale projects, and nearly 1000 new bike racks have
• Beginning of works related to the “Carrying out Agenda 21
been placed near all the middle and high schools in Florence.
in
the
and
Sustainable
Management
Florentine
Area”
Education,
Systems
project
by
as
the
and
GPP
Governmental
work
groups
pertaining to the various issues which were the subject of 1.3.4 Project Agenda 21
the competition. • Participation in Terra Futura as both the Florentine Area
The Agenda 21 project began with the stipulation of a
(Area Fiorentina) and the local network of Agenda 21 in
protocol
Tuscany.
agreement
among
the
nine
participating
communities (Bagno a Ripoli, Calenzano, Campi Bisenzio, Fiesole, Firenze, Lastra a Signa, Scandicci, Sesto Fiorentino,
1.3.5 Project “Upgrading urban spaces in the historical
Signa).
center”
Last year the initiatives undertaken in previous years were carried out. Particular importance was given to data
Various projects to upgrade urban spaces in the historical
collection in order to lay out the new State of the
center of Florence were carried out during 2008 by various
Environment Report (Rapporto sullo Sato dell’Ambiente),
administrative offices of the municipality and by different
containing data collected in 2006. The communities within
interested parties working in the concerned areas. Rather
the greater Florence area, with Florence as the leader,
than report a complete list of all the works that have been
participated in a regional competition with the presentation
carried out, for the purposes of the 2008 Monitoring of the
of the project “Carrying out Agenda 21 in the Florentine
Management Plan we think it best to highlight the
14
innovative works which represent an important process of
permitted the restoration works of the vault and the fresco
sharing and synergy, which have had positive results in
to be accompanied by the re-planning and creation of a
terms of mobility, safety, tourism, commerce and for the
safe pedestrian passageway on via della Colonna. The
image of the city:
works included repaving the passageway, creating a
The repaving and creation of a pedestrian zone on via
sidewalk
Faenza and via Pietrapiana:
entrance to the Museo Archeologico which facilitates
The works to repave these two important streets in the
access for the disabled and simplifying traffic signage.
historic center were an opportunity to completely upgrade
Beginning
the respective areas, and upon completion of the works
underground trash bin in Piazza Santa Maria Novella:
the municipal council approved the definitive closure to
After a long process of project-sharing, the municipal
traffic and the placement of the first automatic retractable
council approved the creation of nine underground bins in
traffic bollards in the city. The large trash dumpsters have
Florence’s historic center. In an interview Angelo Fazio
been eliminated and the implementation of a door to door
confirmed to us that the first underground trash bin will be
trash collection system, like the one already in place in the
installed in Piazza Santa Maria Novella, in conjunction with
castrum romano and the area of Peretola, is expected.
the piazza’s recovery. Construction works will begin in
Upgrading of the San Pierino arch:
October with excavation followed by mechanical testing
This area, which was in a degraded state frequented by
and will finish with installation. The installation of the first
unsavory characters, was upgraded by repaving the street,
underground bin is an important achievement for the
restructuring the arch and creating a pedestrian passage
Azienda Quadrifoglio; once construction is finished and
controlled by a traffic light. This and better lighting in the
trash collection has begun the positive effects of these
arch allow for safe pedestrian crossing from via dell’oriuolo.
new bins on the city’s image and pride will be immediately
Creation of a pedestrian zone in Piazza della Passera and
evident.
development of cultural tourism street signs for the
Manual sweeping of the historic center:
Oltrarno area:
During 2008 the Azienda Quadrifoglio placed a number of
The creation of a pedestrian zone for this part of the
workers charged with keeping the areas most frequented
Oltrarno, which is characterized by the presence of many
by
artisanal shops and workshops, was accompanied by an
reduction
important study to plan out a system of cultural tourism
originally planned, the project is producing very positive
street signs for the Oltrarno area. The goal is to offer
results. The presence of these workers guarantees a
citizens and tourists a series of alternative paths in and
superior level of service which is particularly suited for a
around the historic center while simplifying and reducing
city with a high number of visitors. At present the
the existing signage.
municipal administration is deciding upon spaces which
Pedestrian crossing on via della Colonna:
can be used by Azienda Quadrifoglio for storage.
The synergy between the Istituto degli Innocenti, the Museo Archeologico and the municipal administration
15
with
of
tourists
a
protecting
construction
clean.
which
works
Despite
decreased
handrail,
the the
to
upgrading
create
unfortunate number
of
the
the
first
budget workers
1.4 Plan of action for tourism
1.4.1 Art Routes in Florence and Historic Shops Project
implemented a collection of themed publications, adding to the
pamphlets
about
pharmacies,
bars,
restaurants,
The Historic Center Office of World Heritage UNESCO began
delicatessens and wine bars two new publications: one about
the Art Routes in Florence project in 2005 with the creation of
master craftsmen and the other about bookshops and
the first brochure “Florence: The Places of Perugino”, and
stationary and art supplies stores.
continued in the following years with the production of city
In conjunction to this, the same office has seen to the
routes dedicated to Leon Battista Alberti and to Santa Maria
creation of a new Historic Shops website which not only
Maddalenna de’ Pazzi. During 2008, thanks to the funding
provides information about every single shop selected (along
allocated by the Ministry of Arts and Culture (see the funding
with photos and in some cases video), but also recommends
law 77/2006, Monitoring and Update of the PdG 2007 pg.
particular routes to follow or allows the viewer to create any
24); the office began planning an itinerary dedicated to
route desired among the shops which testify to the Florentine
Giambologna. In this case, aside from the creation of the
tradition.
traditional folding brochure, a multimedia route available for
The Tourism Promotion and Welcoming Office of the Tourism
download online was created. The route in audio/video format
Council
will be available in the first semester of 2009 in both Italian
dell’Assessorato al Turismo) and Sistema Moda have also
and English on the Comune di Firenze website.
organized 41 fashion routes to art, shops and studios in
The active collaboration between the Economic Development
Florence
Administration’s
(Direzione
which will run from 4 November 2008 until 16 June 2009. At
Sviluppo Economico Ufficio Promozione Economica) and the
the website http://www.florenceartfashion.com the brochure
Cultural Administration Office of the Historic Center of World
is available with information about free guided visits, the
Heritage UNESCO made participation in the regional initiative
world of fashion and culture in Florence, along with a
“Amico Museo” also
calendar of events, a list of studios and a rich photo gallery.
Economic
Promotion
Office
possible in 2008, along with the
(L’Ufficio
Promozione
e
Accoglienza
Turistica
organization of six itineraries in the city with free guided visits to
some
of
Florence’s
museums
(Museo
Archeologico
1.4.2 Museum Card Project
Nazionale, Museo di Orsanmichele, Museo dell’Opera di Santa Croce e Cappella dei Pazzi, Museo Marino Marini, Fondazione
The project was created to offer an integrated system of
Romano, Museo Ferragamo) and to historic shops present in
cultural services for visiting some of the city’s most
the immediate vicinity (Robiglio, Rigacci, Bartolini, Giubbe
interesting cultural locations (monuments and museums)
Rosse, Farmacia Molteni, Scuola del Cuoio, Filistrucchi, Il
with reduced entrance fees and some extra services. 2008
Latini, Galleria Frilli, Liberano, Farmacia di Santo Spirito, Paolo
saw the following significant steps taken:
Pagliai Argentiere, Casa dei Tessuti).
- approval of the text of the Protocol Agreement among the
This year also registered positive results for the initiative in
promoting institutions by the municipal council of Florence;
terms of both participation and satisfaction.
- signing of the Protocol Agreement among the promoting
As far as promotion and developing interest in historic shops
institutions (Municipality, Province, Chamber of Commerce);
is
- involvement of the Banca CR Firenze in the project;
concerned,
the
Economic
Promotion
Office
has
16
- involvement of the Infogroup s.p.a. to provide project
- Select the desired language (Italian or English)
analysis relative to the development of access and payment
- Consult the map of the city
technology for the project;
- View artistic points of interest
- selection of the administrative agencies for the Card
- View a detailed summary of information regarding the
system;
artistic points of interest
- selection of the management agency Line Comune s.p.a., a
- View a list of events in Florence
planning and management company which supplies service
- View information about historic shops in Florence
based on the processing of public data, which brings
- View information about Florentine craftsmen
together information about the District, the Province along
- Be informed about disabled access within the city
with other communities in the Florence area;
- View routes specially created for the disabled by the
- adhesion of 24 museums to the initiative;
municipality
- communication of interest by the Ente Cassa di Risparmio Additionally, in honor of the 400th anniversary of the death of
di Firenze to be the promoting institution for the initiative.
Giambologna, the project for a multimedia route dedicated to Currently creation of the Card is being carried out by Linea
the connection between the artist and the city of Florence has
Comune s.p.a. and it should be ready for distribution next
begun, thanks to the economic contribution of the Ministry
Spring.
for Arts and Culture. Using video, photos and mp3 files in both Italian and English, which will be available online during
1.4.3
Project
for
“New
technologies
for
the
the first semester of 2009; visitors will be able to access a vast range of information easily, plan their visit to Florence,
enhancement of the historic center”
download the guide to an mp3 player or other electronic The implementation and use of the new technologies for
device and be accompanied during their visit to the city while
cultural activities and tourism is an important process which is
passing from a virtual experience to a real experience.
becoming increasingly relevant even in the city of Florence. An important example was the presentation at the 2008 Festival della Creatività of the multimedia guide “Arianna”, a guide for the city of Florence that can be downloaded onto a mobile phone. The project was created and developed by Incubatore, a group of technological businesses associated with the Municipality of Florence and is promoted by the department of innovation and development strategies. As can be seen online at http://www.comune.firenze.it/arianna/ the Florence city guide “Arianna” allows you to:
17
PLAN OF ACTION FOR PRESERVATION, CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
STATE OF ADVANCEMENT
Recovery of Piazza Santa Maria Novella
Works in final phase (conclusion expected in April 2009)
The Great Boboli, greenway of the Oltrarno
Route is active
The Path of the Prince
Route is active only with a reservation Approximately 24.600 visitors in 2008
New UFFIZI
Works on the northwest and Magliabechiana areas are nearing completion
PLAN OF ACTION FOR RESEARCH AND AWARENESS PROJECTS The City of Restoration
STATE OF ADVANCEMENT Website active Creation of the Fondazione per il Restauro is underway
“History of Florence” Website
Website active (36.256 visits in 2008), insertion of new sections
GIS for the management and
Website active, conclusion of introductory phase and data
development of the archaeological heritage
review, funding from the Ministry of Arts and Culture to create
of Florence’s historical center
the first digital maps of archaeological potential and risk.
DAVID (Digital Archivi and VIrtual Documentation)
Conclusion of the project’s study and research phases,
Project
Experimental phase on the Florentine territory set to begin in 2009
The Historic Center Office of World Heritage
Website active (over 30.000 visits in 2008), insertion of new
UNSECO Website Project
content and events
Transformation of the
Conclusion of the first part of research of Belvedere sites
Historic Center of Florence. Critical Survey
accessible to the public, organization of bel_Vedere_firenze
to upgrade the urban landscape
exhibition and seminar
18
PLAN OF ACTION FOR MOBILITY AND THE ENVIRONMENT PROJECTS
STATE OF ADVANCEMENT
Florence Goods
No updates on the development of the project
Tramvia
Works for line 1 in progress (conclusion is expected in February 2009). Preliminary works to relocate underground utilities have begun and further studies to refine the plan have been made for lines 2 and 3
Bicycle Paths
Creation of new paths (20 Km), maintenance of paths, placement of new racks, bike sharing project underway
Agenda 21
Process activated
Upgrading urban spaces in the historic center
Completion of various works in the historic center, start of underground trash bins and manual sweeping projects, formation of a group responsible for street furniture
PLAN OF ACTION FOR TOURISM PROJECTS
Art Routes in Florence and Historic Shops Project
STATE OF ADVANCEMENT
Planning of multimedia Giambologna route, collection of publications about historic shops created, creation of Historic Shops website, fashion routes along art, shops and studios of Florence
Museum Card
Adhesion of 24 museums, selection of management agency
New technologies for the enhancement
Creation of Arianna the multimedia guide, Project for the
of the historic center
multimedia Giambologna route
19
Graphics and layout Emiliano Scampoli Printed by Tipografia del Comune di Firenze
