ABSTRACT
Chapter 6 investigates some of the main contradictions in the process of recovery, while looking at the protection and design of potential re-uses of the Arsenal that have emerged in the past decades, as described in the second part of the book.
Some basic elements are confirmed: the extension of spaces and their constitutive complexity; the considerable financial resources this requires; and the context of institutional fragmentation. These aspects are no surprise for those with even a passing knowledge of the change processes at the Arsenal. However, some less intuitive aspects emerge, which are investigated in the chapter: a) much has been done in terms of recovery, yet its scale remains unknown; b) there is a crucial question of governance; c) the incompleteness of the Master Plan, which has now vanished; (d) the total absence of management and sustainability cultures.
Indeed, the lack of attention to management issues is one of the most worrying shortcomings in the whole debate. This topic is unavoidable in the future. There needs to be an adequate definition of budgets, plans, timeframes, priorities and responsibilities; taking into account the magnitude of projects and resources involved; with strong leadership accompanied by a redefinition of institutional arrangements.
