The paper makes six recommendations to address pressing urban challenges that arise from the turn towards circularity. It proposes an approach to bring derelict, vacant and underused land into reuse to drive a sustainable urban transition. It is a call for taking systemic action towards an inclusive and sustainable city. Proposals for identifying wastescapes in different urban and territorial critical contexts are highlighted. Wastescapes are discarded territories perceived as innovative resources for new public spaces and spatial justice. The paper is a practice review which provides a characterization of wastescapes in the Campania Region (South of Italy) which is potentially applicable in other contexts worldwide. ... Read more

This year’s Urban Archipelago graduate design course focuses on water and public space in Moroccan cities. We are building on and advancing the methods that we developed during last year’s exploration of the Italian city of Trieste on the Adriatic coast, including, among others, biographies of place, micro-narratives, and guided imagery of water within urban landscapes. Once again we challenge students to rethink the spatial, societal, and cultural practices of today by learning from the past and envisioning sustainable futures by design. The effects of urbanization and climate change are also increasing in Morocco; however, here in particular, the lack of water will have a long-term effect on public areas and urban life. After visiting Trieste, we concluded that personal experience is key to understanding the role that water plays in our lives. This insight remains valid. It promised to be an immersive exploration into the multifaceted dimensions of water in the Moroccan cities of Rabat, Salé, Fes, and Tetouan. [...] ... Read more