ARW x ISPLORA: New Horizons of Regeneration

Regenerate: [from Latin regenerare, composed of re- and generare] 1. to generate again. […] 2. to rebuild, to make functional once more.

“Regeneration,” in all its meanings, is the guiding term that frames the conversations between Fiamma Colette Invernizzi, Editor-in-Chief of Isplora, and the protagonists of the new episode of Isplora Play: Camillo Botticini and Matteo Facchinelli, founders of ARW Associates.

The regeneration of an urban fragment often requires starting from a specific location, a building, or a space that serves as a social catalyst and symbol of change. One such example is Teatro Borsoni, a landmark project for the revival of the Porta Milano district in Brescia. This endeavor focuses on redefining urban identity, becoming a new city landmark thanks to its iconic cladding of concrete diamonds.

Another case study is the Testi 223 project, where regeneration begins with the application of a new red metallic facade. This intervention reinterprets the partitions and character of a 1950s building, establishing a strong connection with the location’s historical memory while endowing the complex with a bold new identity.

These diverse project experiences, narrated by Camillo Botticini and Matteo Facchinelli, lead to reflections on the evolution of cities and the changing needs of their inhabitants. They explore various themes: the necessity of temporary and flexible structures, as illustrated by the Fabbrica del Futuro (Factory of the Future), and the importance of “silent” interventions in contexts of high historical and artistic value, exemplified by the Corridoio UNESCO (UNESCO Corridor)—a stone pathway connecting 2,500 years of history in Brescia’s Roman-Longobard archaeological area.

Following the film, architects will receive 1 free continuing education credit.

Watch the film: Isplora