Gulf Studies Forum

On November 30, 2024, Davide Ponzini contributed to the 11th Gulf Studies Forum held by the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies in Doha, Qatar, with a paper titled “Gulf Cities’ Planning from a Transnational Perspective: Limitations and Opportunities for Critical Learning”. 

The video of the full “The Gulf City and Modern Urbanism” session is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6usacIEZo04

Milan Cultural Mega-events: From the 2015 Expo through the 2026 Winter Olympics

Milan is undergoing significant transformations. Its city image and reputation as an international tourist destination have been on the rise, along with developments in its business and real estate market. These transformations are often perceived as closely linked to the city’s cultural vibrancy and its two mega-events: the 2015 Expo and the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics. However, the relationship between these mega-events and smaller cultural and entertainment activities in the city has received limited attention. Furthermore, Milan’s cultural heritage is frequently considered merely a component of the city’s image. While the positive impact of these transformations is visible and celebrated, the potential difficulties, and uneven effects they may entail often remain unexplored and unaddressed. Milan Cultural Mega-Events critically examines the planning, implementation, and legacy of these mega-events from urban and cultural perspectives. It highlights the achievements as well as the limitations of the complex governance of mega-events and explores ways to improve Milan’s trajectory through its “mega-event decade” and beyond.

Ponzini, D., Jones, Z.M., Di Vita, S., Jreij, A., Propp (2024) Milan Cultural Mega-events: From the 2015 Expo through the 2026 Winter Olympics. Milan: Lettera Ventidue 

by Davide Ponzini, Zachary M. Jones, Stefano Di Vita, Abdallah Jreij with Propp

Available at Lettera Ventidue

Urban heritage fragility and antifragility: Matera and the 2019 European Capital of Culture

Ponzini, D., Jones Z.M., Tommarchi, E., D’Armento, S., Scandiffio, A., Bianchini, F. (2024) ‘Urban heritage fragility and antifragility: Matera and the 2019 European Capital of Culture’, in F. Curci and D. Chiffi (Eds.) Fragility and Antifragility in Cities and Regions. Edward Elgar Publishing, pp. 198–212. DOI: 10.4337/9781035312559.00021.

Sports as Well-Being Practice: The Diversification of Tourism Through the Integration of Sport, Wellness, and Health

Bortolotti, A., Jreij, A., Mazza, F., & Vecchi, V. (2024). Sports as Well-Being Practice: The Diversification of Tourism Through the Integration of Sport, Wellness, and Health. In A. Arcidiacono & S. Di Vita (Eds.) Beyond the 2026 Winter Olympic Games: Sustainable Scenarios for the Valtellina Mountain Region (pp. 63-81). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore.