Piccinno G & Lega E (2012) Spatial Design for In-between Urban Spaces. Romagna, Italy: Maggioli Editore. ISBN: 978-88-387-6161-2

This edited collection opens up a debate on the field of spatial design, and its critical engagement with related fields of knowledge, for the understanding of contemporary urban scenarios, focusing in particular on the in-between spaces. The volume is co-edited by Dr Elisa Lega and Prof Giovanna Piccinno and is part of the D.HoC series, which presents the research lines developed by the Interior Design for Hospitable Cities – Interior Design Research Unit, Design Department, Politecnico di Milano, Italy.

The collection, through original theoretical essays, action research examples and case studies, is structured to present the process of investigation through several layers of readability and information complexity. The book benefits from a transdisciplinary critical approach on the subject, allowing the reader to frame the general context of research – the transformations of the urban landscapes and the identification of innovative ways to disclose its characteristics – and the challenges that can be undertaken to enhance roles and values – spatial, relational and theoretical – of certain space conditions here named 'in-between'.

The research proposes an innovative interpretation of those interstitial and uncertain urban spaces, which have a strong physical, relational or temporal value of connection/disconnection with the nearby, by discussing their potentiality to activate new dynamics/relations capable to generate spatial quality with the surroundings. The outcome presents the basis for a new theoretical and methodological framework to interpret, understand and design for in-between spaces, starting from interior design knowledge, and proposing a wider spatial design approach to the subject through innovative transdisciplinary environmental and relational strategies.