Design as Mediator Between Local Resources and Global Visions. Experiences of Design for Territories

Cultural, economic and social issues which arose by the end of Modernity and Post-modernity periods affected not only human beings but also places, which —as a consequence—have been dealing with identity, isolation and fear problems. As a reaction to the globalisation phenomenon, new localisms appeared. Design can have a role of mediator which is able to valorize the positive aspects and capabilities of local resources, answering to global issues, and tuning them according to wider and foresighted visions. In our paper, we propose to use the approach of Design for Territories, which considers the territorial valorisation as a synergic, strategic and collaborative system of actions on various levels (productive, social, environmental, cultural). To explain this approach, we are going to present several case studies, chosen in light of different issues, where the relationship between local and global, tradition and innovation is always delicate and controversial.