Revitalizing abandoned spaces: reflections on governance models for sustainable urban development

The ongoing economic and environmental crises present significant challenges for local authorities striving to achieve sustainable development. These challenges often involve addressing issues such as land abandonment and excessive soil consumption through the revitalization of unused sites to optimize existing infrastructure. This article explores innovative approaches to territorial development and the revitalization of buildings and spaces in urban and mountainous regions. By comparing methodologies applied in Italy and Switzerland, the study identifies regulatory gaps related to the temporary use of unused spaces and proposes a brand-new model of participatory governance that advance and improve sustainable urban development.