The Parametric Design to Foster Cross-Border Governance

Ongoing research intends to develop a new planning tool to foster cross-border governance. It is a conceptual model that employs parametric design and new forms of communication. Its application can go beyond administrative boundaries. Today in the world, there are increasingly complex problems that need to be addressed in a multiscalar and interdisciplinary way, as the pandemic and the environmental crisis are demonstrating. Territorial planning is called to face challenges that require new tools integrated into territorial governance and without administrative limits. We must also help make decisions in a tight time frame and comply with the financial resources used. The research intends to create a tool to involve local actors in the future design of the area. The method consists of using 3D images, in addition to traditional forms of representation. The parametric design permits to evaluate design alternatives better as it is more realistic. The tool must be integrated with communication forms capable of stimulating bottom-up processes and creating cross-border networks with medium to long term effects. The problem is addressed in Chiasso, in the cross-border region between Canton Ticino (Switzerland) and the Lombardy Region (Italy). It is a relevant hub of north-south flows and has recently been affected by two projects: a new highway layout and the commercial custom's adaptation. These will have repercussions in the area and involve the social, economic, and environmental challenges for the future. There is no lingusitic barrier long this border, but no strategic planning is shared between the countries, and in the same area, there are four different planning tools. The desired result is the recognition of a new tool for territorial planning. The first test carried out with students of the Master's Degree at SUPSI in Mendrisio (CH) underlined a greater interest by participants when using this parametric design alternatives.