Associations and Public Facilities as Infrastructures of Slowness. Proximity and Sociality at Neighbourhood Level

In the context of spatial, functional and relational proximity, slowness is a strategy that may enhance the neighbourhood scale. Relational proximity is investigated through social infrastructure, consisting of third sector organisations and public services, which are essential hubs of community connection. The con-tribution aims to understand the role of these relational actors and their impact on the consolidation of interpersonal relationships, to create a “slow” neighbour-hood. The research is part of a collaboration with Cittaslow International, pro-moter of the slow model, and studies the experiences implemented within the project Cittaslow Metropolis to identify best practices and possible applications for the San Leonardo neighbourhood in Parma. Through spatial analyses and semi-structured interviews with local organisations, relational proximity has been assessed, highlighting how social infrastructure guides the use of public spaces, strengthens proximity networks, and promotes cohesion. In this framework, the social infrastructure emerges as a relevant pillar of slow urban regeneration at the neighbourhood level.