Cities on Stage: Italian Urban Regeneration Exhibition Opens in Karachi

Junaid Kafili

KarachiP: The traveling exhibition “Cities on Stage. Urban Regeneration: The Italian Way to a Sustainable Future” opened in Karachi on 12 February at the Quaid-e-Azam Flag Staff House, a museum dedicated to the personal life of Pakistan’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The historic building, designed by British architect Moses Somake, dates back to the late 19th century.

Italian Excellence in Urban Regeneration

Sponsored by Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and organized by ANCE, Associazione Mecenate 90 ETS, and Fondazione Musica per Roma, the exhibition brings global attention to Italian urban regeneration practices showcased through the Città in Scena Festival.

In recent years, Italy has focused extensively on urban regeneration, supported by resources such as Next Generation EU and national public measures. The approach involves reclaiming abandoned spaces and buildings in suburbs and historic centres, repurposing them to serve local communities’ environmental, social, and energy needs.

The exhibition highlights Italy’s design, technological, and construction capabilities, showcasing innovative solutions from across the country that have transformed urban spaces since 2023, reflecting the excellence of Made in Italy.

Knowledge Sharing and Panel Discussion

The opening included a presentation on “Regeneration: The Italian Way to a Sustainable Future” by Dr. Marco D’Egidio, Senior Technology Officer at ANCE. This was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Mr. Aarij Iqbal, President of the Italian Development Committee, with the participation of:

• Dr. Tania Ali Soomro, Assistant Professor, NED University of Engineering and Technology
• Mr. Salman Jawed, Coalesce Design Studios
• Ms. Mehreen Gondal, Founder & Lead Interior Designer, Ocean Design Studio
• Mr. Mustafa Iqbal, Sustainability Expert

The panel explored the transfer of Italian urban regeneration knowledge to Pakistani contexts and highlighted innovative design and construction practices that prioritize resource efficiency, material reuse, and sustainable urban development.

Promoting a Sustainable Future

The exhibition demonstrates Italy’s commitment to reducing waste, conserving raw materials, and optimizing previously used materials, setting a benchmark for sustainable urban development globally. It also promotes the expertise of Italian public administrations, businesses, and designers in planning and implementing efficient, socially-responsive urban spaces.

Through “Cities on Stage,” Karachi audiences gain insight into Italy’s transformative urban strategies and their relevance to sustainable city planning worldwide.