The research delineates the significance of the historical city as a pivotal counter-model of urban development, particularly in the context of Italy post-World War II. It emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary approaches that intertwine architecture and urban history with public engagement, aiming to enhance decision-making in urban policy while preserving scientific integrity. The historical city is examined not just as an academic subject but as an active entity contributing to contemporary urban dynamics, navigating the transformations that have established it as a historic center amid modern urban sprawl. The chapter posits that the historical city can counteract detrimental urban policies and advocate for sustainable practices by bridging the gap between enduring historical values and the rapidly evolving identity of “modern” cities. It calls for active political engagement from historical research, promoting a collaborative framework that can enhance community socio-cultural conditions and support informed political discussions regarding urban evolution. Furthermore, the study introduces the concept of “new urban aesthetics”, highlighting the sensory and imaginative aspects of urban experiences and the shift toward aesthetic evaluations in the relationship between cities and their identities. It draws from early twentieth-century theorists and contemporary thinkers to explore how aesthetic dimensions shape urban environments and collective perceptions. The research identifies case studies to examine the intersection of new urban aesthetics with historic contexts. This comprehensive approach aims not only to create specialized knowledge but also to ensure that historical insights inform future urban development initiatives, thereby fostering community engagement and awareness of urban heritage. Building on this foundation, the Bologna case study demonstrates how historical insights can directly inform climate adaptation strategies. The study develops a multilayered analysis methodology to map and address Urban Heat Islands (UHIs) in the historical city’s public spaces, integrating Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) within a green infrastructure plan. By identifying vulnerable zones and simulating interventions with specific modeling, the methodology assesses improvements in microclimatic conditions. This approach provides a cross-disciplinary knowledge base that guides data-driven and long-term strategies for climate resilience, highlighting the historical city’s role as both a cultural and ecological asset in the just transition toward sustainability. Main research outputs: