The city as a place of ethnic and cultural fusion - how the growth of foreign population influenced the transformations of the territory

In the last years, migrations have radically changed the ltalian context. The amount of immigrants, both in ltaly and in Europe, has radically increased. lnside cities, in which there is a consistent presence of immigrants, integration between local citizens and immigrants is of great relevance. The phenomenon of immigration, in order to be properly managed, needs actions and programmes able to support integration between cultures at an urban level. From this, the problem of urban identity derives. This problem deals with organization of urban spaces and cultura l identity-two aspects that necessarily affect each other. As a result, there is a contrast between originai urban identity and the new identity linked to immigration (in particular) and globalization (as a whole). In this setting, urban planning activities need to face two main problems. The former is related to access to services. lt refers to places inside cities - urban zone, squares, and buildings - and to the fact that they can be reached by everyone. In this vein, it is very interesting the link between access to services and social inclusion that - in turn- is related to possible use of urban spaces. In reference to immigrants, access to services is linked to mobility and housing problems. The main aim to achieve deals with improving access to services for "weak" citizens.