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CITI4SEA: A Typological Indicator-Based Assessment for Coastal Public Spaces in Large Euro-Mediterranean Cities

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  • Ivan Pistone

    (Department of Architecture, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, 80134 Naples, Italy)

  • Antonio Acierno

    (Department of Architecture, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, 80134 Naples, Italy)

Abstract

Coastal public spaces in large Euro-Mediterranean cities represent critical zones of negotiation between land and sea, where ecological fragilities, infrastructural pressures and social demands intersect. Grounded in the concept of the urban amphibious, this study explores the spatial-functional complexity of city-sea interfaces through the development of CITI4SEA (City-Sea Interface Typological Indicators for Spatial-Ecological Assessment), an original multidimensional framework for the evaluation of coastal public spaces. The methodology builds on a geo-database of 149 coastal municipalities in eight EU Member States and applies a set of indicators to seven major cities (with populations over 500,000 and comprehensive port infrastructure). Through a structured evaluation grid applied to 23 coastal public spaces, the framework enables a cross-comparative analysis of spatial configurations, ecological qualities, and patterns of public use. Results reveal the emergence of transnational clusters based on shared planning logics and degrees of socio-environmental integration, rather than geographic proximity. The study also identifies asymmetries in accessibility, environmental performance and equipment provision. Beyond mapping spatial disparities, the contribution offers a replicable tool for assessing littoral transformations within the broader framework of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) and Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP), supporting context-specific strategies for resilient and inclusive coastal governance.

Suggested Citation

  • Ivan Pistone & Antonio Acierno, 2025. "CITI4SEA: A Typological Indicator-Based Assessment for Coastal Public Spaces in Large Euro-Mediterranean Cities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-53, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:18:p:8239-:d:1748879
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. María J. Andrade & João Pedro Costa & Eduardo Jiménez-Morales & Jonathan Ruiz-Jaramillo, 2021. "A City Profile of Malaga: The Role of the Port-City Border throughout Historical Transformations," Urban Planning, Cogitatio Press, vol. 6(3), pages 105-118.
    4. Anastasiia Dubinina & Aleksandra Wawrzyńska & Karolina A. Krośnicka, 2022. "Permeability of Waterfronts—Contemporary Approach in Designing Urban Blue Spaces," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-16, July.
    5. Camerin, Federico, 2019. "From “Ribera Plan” to “Diagonal Mar”, passing through 1992 “Vila Olímpica”. How urban renewal took place as urban regeneration in Poblenou district (Barcelona)," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 89(C).
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