Cross-Level Data-Driven Multi-criteria Analysis Prioritizing Adaptive Reuse Actions in Urban Regeneration and Planning

The Mediterranean urban landscape has been profoundly shaped by rapid and often unplanned development during periods of economic growth, leading to an imbalance between individual and collective needs, as well as specialized urban functions. This study introduces a comprehensive decision-support framework tailored to facilitate collaborative urban regeneration processes, focusing on the city of Reggio Calabria in Southern Italy. The framework addresses the challenges posed by underutilized and abandoned cultural heritage assets, aiming to transform these into vibrant community resources. To this end, the research employs a multi-methodological decision-making process to explore the specific characteristics of the heritage assets under study and assess their performance through site-specific indicators. By integrating Multi-Criteria Analysis, this study ranks assets by priority and develops a strategic map to guide policy decisions. The project demonstrates how to create a synergistic network of places, actions, and stakeholders by combining material and immaterial interventions to support both temporary reuse and long-term structural recovery interventions. The establishment of physical and digital connections between cultural assets fosters the development of a recognizable territorial identity while constructing an intangible network among stakeholders. This approach has been tested in Reggio Calabria, demonstrating its effectiveness in promoting sustainable urban development, enhancing socio-economic growth, and recalibrating urban-suburban dynamics. The findings underscore the importance of integrating cultural heritage into urban regeneration strategies as a means of fostering social innovation, economic resilience, and community well-being.