Integrating Communities: How Spatial Patterns Matter?

Social exclusion is a key issue in the European Cohesion Policy 2014-2020. Despite the magnitude of the problem and the importance recognized by the literature to the spatial component of the city in supporting effective inclusion, policy documents still lack of attention on spatial patterns and their influence on integration. This paper discusses how spatial patterns may influence the outcomes of urban policies addressed to social inclusion, with a particular focus on Roma minorities. Recommendations will be supported by the findings from two case studies located in a Southern European metropolitan area, Reggio Calabria, and include: 1) Avoiding concentration of minorities through appropriate displacement, planned on case-by-case approach and discussed with the interested community; 2) Supporting flexible displacement through appropriate rules and planning regulations; 3) Avoiding displacement of minorities in areas lacking physical and social connectivity.