The Circular City Implementation: Cultural Heritage and Digital Technology

In a word that is increasingly facing issues related to climate change, environmental degradation, economic crisis and social inequalities, rethinking the urban development models is becoming an “imperative”. Furthermore, the COVID-19 is accelerating this necessity. In fact, the health emergency has affected almost all sectors, determining radical change in economic and social systems. Tourism and culture are among those most affected and therefore they require strategies to support their recovery and to strengthen their resilience for the future. The closure of cultural venues has highlighted the importance of finding alternative ways to join cultural heritage and to allow it continuing to develop its productive potential. In this context, the importance of the opportunities offered by digital technologies for conservation, valorization and enjoyment of cultural heritage has emerged. This study proposes the circular city as a new urban development model to achieve a more sustainable future, focusing in particular on cultural heritage as an entry point to implement this model. Furthermore, the role of technology is investigated as “enabler” of inclusive and sustainable culture-based development processes for supporting the implementation of the circular city model.