As part of the project “Ivrea, Industrial City of the 20th Century: Promotion, Enhancement, and Sustainability” – funded under Law No. 77 of 2006 – the Municipality of Ivrea has commissioned Fondazione Santagata the development of the new Management Plan for the UNESCO Site.

Context

In 2008, during the centenary celebrations of the founding of Olivetti Company, the Municipality of Ivrea and the Adriano Olivetti Foundation advanced the idea to nominate the “Ivrea, Industrial City of the 20th Century” as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ten years later, on July 1, 2018, the Site was officially inscribed on the World Heritage List.

Founded in 1908 by Camillo Olivetti, Ivrea exemplifies significant urban development and architectural theories of the 20th century, reflecting responses to industrial and social transformations, including the shift from mechanical to digital industries. It stands as a globally recognized, innovative industrial production experience that prioritizes the welfare of local communities.

The Management Plan for the “Ivrea, Industrial City of the 20th Century” site includes activities related to knowledge, protection, and conservation, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the value of the Site. The Plan ensures interpretation, public presentation, and both direct and virtual access to the Site. Throughout and following the Site’s nomination as UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Plan has been revised and updated multiple times.

Fondazione Santagata aims to assess the results and the impact of the Site’s management on the territory, key stakeholders, and local communities to update the Plan accordingly.

Objectives

The aim of this work is to draft the new Management Plan for the UNESCO Site “Ivrea, Industrial City of the 20th Century” This updated document builds on the in-depth review carried out in 2022–2023, which evaluated and aligned the previous plan with the goals of the 2030 Agenda. The objective is to ensure that the Site’s management adheres to UNESCO’s guidelines while guaranteeing its protection and preservation. Local stakeholders play a key role in the new Management Plan, reflecting the principles of Adriano Olivetti and enabling the Site to generate meaningful impact within the surrounding territory.

The Plan is accompanied by:

  • An Interpretation Plan: a recently introduced tool for UNESCO Sites internationally, aimed at connecting the identity and sense of belonging of citizens, local actors, and visitors with the Site’s cultural, industrial, and architectural significance. This helps reinforce the local community’s responsibility toward shared cultural heritage, fostering both the preservation and enhancement of its tangible and intangible aspects.

  • A tool for the application of Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA), in accordance with the methodologies and procedures outlined in Guidance and Toolkit for Impact Assessments (2021) and Guidance on Heritage Impact Assessment for Cultural World Heritage Properties (2011) published by ICOMOS.

Finally, activities will be carried out to disseminate the contents and goals of the Plan, encouraging the active involvement of local communities and key stakeholders.

Work Phases

The development of the Management Plan for the UNESCO Site “Ivrea, Industrial City of the 20th Century” will be carried out in three phases:

  1. Context analysis based on input from institutions and stakeholders
  2. Drafting of the Management Plan and Interpretation Plan
  3. Dissemination in the territory
  4. Preparation of guidelines for the application of Heritage Impact Assessment

Expected Results

  • Drafting the Management Plan and accompanying documents for effective territorial enhancement.
  • Implementing a dissemination program to engage and involve the local community and key stakeholders.

Partners

City of Ivrea