Macrolotto Zero is a district next to the historical centre with a strong identity linked to the presence of many citizens of Chinese origin and numerous commercial activities and ready-to-wear shops. From an urban point of view, it developed during the years of the city's economic boom and is characterized by the density of buildings - both residences and artisanal workshops - and by the absence of public and green spaces. Today this is a district of the city with obvious and difficult problems of coexistence and social inclusion between the communities, and in need of significant urban renewal. In recent years these obvious issues have prompted many associations and other local operators to design community-based projects and plan the regeneration of private spaces, with results of a high cultural and social standard.
A small private parking lot, next to the PAM supermarket, has been upgraded by cleaning the walls, planting flowers, and installing benches; it has been renamed Piazza dell'Immaginario, and is now a public place that has become indispensable as the site of a great number of initiatives.
This project represents an important example of active citizenship, achieved through planning and communication skills, the cultural and social sensitivity of local Associations operating in the area (China and Dryfoto), the contribution of a private citizen (the owner of the PAM space), and local authority funding. These positive examples have strengthened the determination of citizens, associations and social groups to counter the district's safety and decay problems through the joint planning and implementation of initiatives aimed at protecting and revitalizing the area.