Il riuso dei mercati coperti del Novecento a Genova: temi e problemi

Since the early years of the twentieth century, numerous markets, both in iron and reinforced concrete, have been built throughout Italy. In Genoa, the impulse came from the administrative unification in "Great Genoa" of twenty municipalities, making it necessary to implement some public services. These include general markets (fruit and vegetables, fish, flowers, egg and poultry), numerous local covered markets and a new slaughterhouse. In 1987, the general flower market was demolished and, to date, the only one that has maintained its function is the town slaughterhouse. This has recently opened its premises to the fish market, which in turn moved from its original 1930s headquarters, as recently the city has decided to sell it. In recent years, smaller local markets have suffered a substantial crisis mainly caused by the economic crisis and the change in purchasing habits, due to the spread of supermarkets and shopping centres. A lot of time often passes from closure to the recovery of a new function, hence creating urban voids that plunge the surrounding areas into degradation. However, they are often perceived by citizens as resources or openness of possibilities, so it is not uncommon for the population to spontaneously mobilise in order to keep the spaces open. In light of the events in the Genoese markets, and the difficulties which held back the drafting as well as, in some cases, the implementation of projects, this contribution highlights the complexity associated with the reuse and management of specialised buildings. This is attributable to accessibility and structural problems, as well as issues related to the used materials. The reflection also extends to the theme of protecting the value of public use and ways to make it sustainable by reflecting on the public-private relationship.