Urbinary

The first episode of this new Urbinary cycle investigates how systems of labour exploitation shape space, focusing on rural southern Italy. It explores the phenomenon of Caporalato—the informal recruitment of agricultural workers—not merely as an illegal labour practice, but as a spatial and political infrastructure sustaining global food systems.The episode navigates themes of informality, temporariness, and exclusion, tracing how settlements like La Pista emerge from the intersections of migration, state absence, and economic extraction. These spaces, often viewed as peripheral or non-urban, challenge conventional urban categories and highlight the centrality of so-called margins within contemporary capitalism.By reinterpreting the rural as an active site of production and power, the episode raises critical questions: what defines a city, and what kinds of spaces are produced at its edges?

In this episode of Urbinary, the question of what is urban is explored by analyzing critical epistemological lenses and applying them to the Emilia-Romagna floods (2023–2024). With insights from Camilla Perrone, Paolo Pileri, Davide Castaldo, and Pascal Bernhardt, it delves into political ecology, land consumption, and the socio-natural dynamics shaping our territories. A thought-provoking journey bridging academic theories and real-world challenges to redefine our understanding of urbanization.

We are exploring environmental justice with Reza Shirazi, an urban planning expert and the creative force behind the gripping documentary 'Never Surrender.' 'Never Surrender' delves deep into the extraordinary battle for environmental justice, laying bare the intense showdown between communities and governments over shipyard safety in San Francisco. Join us in this conversation and explore how we can pave the way for fair and sustainable cities that benefit everyone.

In this Urbinary episode, we explore the world of mega-events with our expert guest, Davide Ponzini, a professor at Politecnico di Milano who sheds light on their significance in Urban planning and ever-evolving dynamics with host cities. We discuss strategies to create sustainable and inclusive events, mitigate negative impacts on tourism, and preserve cultural heritage. Drawing upon Davide’s expertise, we delve into the complexities and future trends of mega-events, providing valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and enthusiasts alike.

Can a city be sustainable? An oxymoron? Can a system that creates entropy be sustainable? Or is sustainability rather a target that we will never achieve but we have to aim for? Cities consume a lot of resources which has a great impact on the environmental, social and economic balance so we don’t know what we will leave for future generations. In searching for a way to decrease the dramatic effect we are travelling between urban scales and layers, questioning the role of society and urban planning professionals, and looking at the future through technologies. Speculating a lot about sustainability nowadays, in the new episode we will uncover that term, which suggests exploring the complexity of the city from the ecological angle, and the role of public participation and technologies in reaching it.

In this compelling episode, we delve into the fascinating realm of urban planning and its potential to bring about positive change within the prison system. Joined by esteemed Gianfranco Orsenigo, research fellow at Politecnico di Milano, we explore the crucial role that urban planning can play in bettering the lives of prisoners. Drawing from Gianfranco Orsenigo's extensive expertise in the field, we discuss innovative approaches to design, layout, and infrastructure within correctional facilities. Discover how thoughtful urban planning can contribute to prisoner rehabilitation, mental health support, and overall well-being. Join us as we uncover the transformative possibilities when urban planning meets the world of incarceration.