The starting point for the conception and foundation of a centre dedicated to aspects of ‘periphery’ is the observation that spatial disparities seem to increase: on the one hand the growing overcrowding of metropolises which goes hand in hand with housing shortage, which determines a noisy environment, and which for their inhabitants generates stress and fuss. On the other hand stand emptying regions and local communities in more peripheral areas. The result there are desolateness, the need to economize, and the growing problem of an ageing population. Are peripheries only places for the production of energy and raw materials, do they only represent only service surfaces for the congested urban areas, bridged by highways and high-speed railwork networks, surfaces serving as recreation areas, cheap room for storage and for garbage deposits? What can be done to counter pauperization?