Multifunctional Urban District of Bologna – DumBO
The Multifunctional Urban District of Bologna – DumBO (“Distretto Urbano Multifunzionale di Bologna”) – is located in the former Ravone railway freight yard. The 40,000 m² site, developed between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was decommissioned in the early 2000s and remained largely unused for almost two decades. In 2019, the Municipality of Bologna designated the area for temporary regeneration and entrusted its management to Open Event Srl. It represents one of the largest examples of temporary, culture-led urban regeneration in Italy.
The intervention did not involve large-scale reconstruction or any particular restoration work, but essentially worked on the conservation principle that allowed the structure of the old railway yard to be saved from planned demolition. Existing warehouses and open spaces were reactivated through light and reversible works. Unsafe structures were secured, surfaces cleared, utilities restored and fire protection systems installed. The industrial fabric was maintained and no significant demolition was carried out. The project deliberately worked with the existing structures and spatial qualities of the site.
The regeneration follows a temporary use model. Spaces are assigned according to their physical condition and technical capacity. Modular and movable elements allow different configurations over time. Several tenants contributed directly to the adaptation of their spaces, reducing costs and reinforcing shared responsibility for maintenance.
Today DumBO hosts cultural programming, artistic production, social initiatives and coworking activities, forming a local creative ecosystem. Since opening in 2019, it has organised more than 700 events and welcomed several hundred thousand visitors. The former railway yard has been reconnected to the surrounding Porto-Saragozza district. The use of the spaces is part of an ongoing dialogue with the local community and the district committee. Activities are organised for all age groups, including people over 60. The economic model combines public support with income from events and space rental.
The project also participates in European cooperation initiatives. It has been involved in EU-funded programmes, including MusicAIRE and Greening the Hubs, where it acts as a lead partner, focusing on environmental transition and sustainable event management in cultural spaces.
The Awards’ Jury highlighted: “This minimal intervention and flexible temporary-use model shows how culture can drive urban regeneration with significant community impact while operating with limited resources. DumBO stands as a pilot for the culture-led transition of post-industrial sites across European cities.”
Contact: Andrea Giotti | Open Event Srl | info@dumbospace.it | www.dumbospace.it