Università e Città. L’insediamento di Roma Tre nel quadrante Ostiense

The text traces the various stages of Roma Tre University's establishment in the Ostiense district, which hosted the first wave of industrialization in the Italian capital between the 19th and 20th centuries. For three decades, the University's role as an anchor institution has ensured consistent public engagement, supported by strong collaboration with Rome’s municipal government (Roma Capitale) and the key local institution, Municipio XI (now Municipio VIII). This district is unique in Rome for actively fostering local-level debate through an Urban Center. Roma Tre has established an indisputable role in third mission activities, both materially and metaphorically opening its doors to urban communities, while multiplying opportunities for cultural events and increasingly popular conferences. Despite the waning effectiveness of some flagship initiatives and the gentrification dynamics affecting less-protected portions of industrial heritage, the interaction between public spaces and the social fabric—home to diverse migrant communities forming robust intercultural networks and engaging in knowledge and creativity initiatives—continues to enrich the urban agenda. Today, it is essential to maintain a cohesive vision by revisiting and updating the insights of the Ostiense Marconi Urban Project (PUOM), a genuine roadmap for regeneration processes. This requires adopting problem-focused working methods rather than approaches confined to narrow areas of expertise, fostering constructive dialogue among stakeholders, and protecting the decision-making process from ideological stalemates and procedural bottlenecks that impede progress.