We have been convened under the theme of innovation to propose an urban action in a central environment of a city of 85.000 inhabitants which, due to the vicissitudes of its history, is virtually unoccupied. Avilés is a typical case of cities in decline, with about 100.000 inhabitants, built on the base of waves of ambition and progress. The fishing industry, heavy industries and nature have shaped an urban fabric of great value and strong roots, primarily a well preserved precious historic centre, interesting neighbourhoods and linked satellites on the coast and in the interior. Therefore the city has an enormous touristic, industrial and social potential ready to be developed in a contemporary way whilst removing the dependency on other hubs of the region. Thus stated, the “Aviles case” emerges as an extraordinary exercise for measuring the ability of town planning to create city environments capable of transforming the economy and enhancing the quality of life of a city and the quality of architecture to create a new image through innovation.