The Spatial Rescaling of Italian Mega-Events: From Large-Scale Projects to Urban and Regional Regeneration

This chapter analyzes the evolving spatial model for past and future mega-events in Italy, their effects, and legacies, drawing on a literature review and several case studies such as the European Capital of Culture of Genoa 2004, the Winter Olympics of Turin 2006, and the Milan Expo 2015, before the Winter Games of Milan-Cortina 2026. Specific attention is given to the transition of mega-events from large-scale projects to urban regeneration, the connections between mega- and smaller events, and the regional rescaling of mega-events. From the Winter Games of Turin 2006 to those of Milan-Cortina 2026, Italian mega-events have been contributing to developing a stronger infrastructure corridor between Turin, Milan, and Venice. The latter is understood as the main infrastructural backbone of a wider territorial network connecting cities and the Alps.