Bologna’s DumBo district, a multifunctional urban regeneration space, has become a vibrant hub of street art and creative dialogue. Spanning nearly 40,000 square meters of a former train depot, Dumbo offers a canvas for artists and a communal space for residents.
In this video, Raffaele Tommaso Isernia, an architecture-engineering student, highlights his experience with DumBo through the CrAFt project, noting the striking impact of street art on the district’s industrial landscape.
Street art interventions have become more common in urban regeneration projects, but historically, the relationship between art and institutions has been fraught with challenges. Raffaele views DumBo as a “condominium” where the project’s core principle is dialogue among the diverse activities and people residing there. This dialogue fosters a dynamic environment, essential for the creative and private sectors’ collaboration.
During last April 2024 Urban Festival, DumBo hosted a five-day celebration of street art, featuring artists from across Italy, such as Mr. Chobb, who have deep roots in the street art scene of the 90s. The event saw the completion of a striking mural in a collaborative effort involving local artists and even children, who helped paint the intricate designs.
Video produced by Raffaele Tommaso Isernia