Building the boundary. The role of the waterfront in shaping the Modern City.

The waterfront represents a fluid and symbolic threshold, a transitional space between land and sea that, in port cities, assumes a strategic role in shaping the relationships between architecture, landscape, and territory. In this context, Salerno emerges as an exemplary case study: at the beginning of the 20th century, the city became the focal point of an intense debate aimed at rethinking the relationship between the coastline and urban expansion. This reflection addressed not only the pressing demands of demographic growth but also the need to protect coastal routes from frequent storm surges, transforming the shoreline into a functional and integrated component of the urban fabric. This period marked a crucial phase in the urban history of Salerno, characterized by the realization of significant interventions that embodied the principles of modern architecture. These iconic works stand out as evidence of the transition from traditional masonry construction to innovative reinforced concrete frame structures, signifying a technological and cultural shift in local building practices. This paper aims to analyse Salerno’s waterfront as an urban and territorial laboratory where modern architecture serves not only as a response to the functional and symbolic needs of the time but also as a key element in a broader dialogue with the surrounding landscape and territory. Moving beyond the boundaries of individual buildings, the study offers an integrated interpretation of the waterfront, presenting it as an emblem of the transition towards modern territorial planning, capable of combining innovation, local identity, and historical continuity.