Trasformazioni urbane e spazi sociali : la dimensione relazionale come piattaforma di sviluppo locale

The article focuses on the relation between the relational dimension and contemporary urban transformation processes. Starting from the analysis of the main urban transformation phases, from the fordist to the post-fordist city, new evidences and practices of social governance territorial based will be described.Thanks to the model it will be possible to highlight how intangible resources (such as social networks, relations, communication) play a major role than tangible resources (like built and natural environment) in driving sustainable urban transformation processes in different phases. The paper undermines the direct correlation between density of relationships, stakeholder engagement at local level and the efficacy of urban transformation processes as a response to territorial needs. [Publishers' text].