A multidisciplinary framework for brownfield regeneration of Rieti case study

The regeneration of abandoned industrial areas is an important challenge for the sustainable and resilient transformation of contemporary cities. Originally established during the economic boom, these sites significantly contributed to urban and economic growth. Today, however, they are largely abandoned, with degraded buildings that act as urban detractors. Often situated adjacent to historic centers, these sites now represent critical voids within the very urban fabric they once helped to define. This study investigates the former SNIA-Montecatini industrial complex in Rieti as an urban laboratory for testing innovative approaches. The methodological framework combines demographic and volumetric analyses with energy simulations, employing GIS-based models of accessibility and mobility under the “15-minute city” paradigm. In parallel, the feasibility of a Renewable Energy Community was assessed as a strategy to reduce emissions, enhance self-sufficiency, and promote energy justice. Findings reveal four main contributions: equity and inclusion, through the relocation of public services to address socio-spatial inequalities; climate resilience, supported by green and blue infrastructures mitigating urban heat islands; energy transition, enabled by the REC and emission reduction strategies; and urban livability, fostered by cultural spaces, coworking facilities, green roofs, and integrated greenways.The proposed framework positions the Rieti case as an interdisciplinary and replicable model for medium-sized cities. It demonstrates how the regeneration of obsolete industrial areas can transform them from urban liabilities into catalysts of sustainability, equity, and health. The outcomes align with the European Green Deal and the UN 2030 Agenda, contributing to broader strategies of ecological and social transition.