Planning Urban Development: The Madrid Plan – A New Episode of “Città in transizione”

The third episode of Cities in Transition, a podcast series produced by Città di Will Media in collaboration with Bocconi University’s Sustainable Urban Regeneration Lab (SUR Lab), is now available online. Developed within the framework of the MUSA Spoke 1 – Urban Regeneration project, the episode focuses on one of Europe’s most emblematic urban transformations: the Madrid Río project.

At the centre of the discussion is Myriam Peón González, Director General of the Office for Madrid’s General Urban Development Plan. Her contribution provides an institutional and strategic perspective on the long-term planning decisions that reshaped the Manzanares riverfront, once dominated by the M-30 ring road, into a large, accessible, and climate-resilient public space.

The episode is hosted by Paolo Bovio and features Professor Edoardo Croci, Director of the SUR Lab, whose expertise frames the broader implications of the project within contemporary urban regeneration debates. Their dialogue highlights how Madrid managed to bury a major urban highway, restore natural ecosystems, and create extensive pedestrian and cycling infrastructure in just over five years.

Beyond its physical transformation, the Madrid Río project is presented as a case study in climate adaptation. The regenerated riverbanks now function as a “climate refuge,” mitigating extreme summer temperatures and improving flood management through renaturalization and water retention systems.

While the project required substantial investment and sparked public debate, its long-term impact underscores the potential of integrated urban planning. As discussed in the episode, Madrid’s experience illustrates how cities can reconcile the demand for mobility with the need to reduce land consumption and enhance environmental quality.

The episode contributes to an ongoing reflection on how cities can transition toward more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban models.

Here is the link to watch the episode online.