Problem addressed

The project addresses multiple overlapping challenges in the Barriera di Milano district of Turin: social marginalization, lack of accessible public spaces, and low community engagement. The target area suffers from high unemployment, school dropout rates, and a strong presence of vulnerable groups, including elderly people, migrants, and children from low-income families. The Giorgio Amendola public garden, currently underused and poorly maintained, is perceived as unsafe and disconnected from the community. Additionally, there is a lack of inclusive, intercultural, and intergenerational activities in the area, limiting opportunities for meaningful interaction, cultural exchange, and well-being. The project tackles these issues by transforming a neglected green area into a shared community space that fosters dialogue, creativity, inclusion, and active citizenship

Innovative solution

RI-CREIAMO integrates neuroscience, arts, and civic co-design to create a community-centered urban garden. The project adopts neuroaesthetic design principles, leveraging research from the University of Turin to enhance the emotional and psychological impact of the space, promoting well-being and mental health. It introduces a Community Social Oven, not only as a cooking facility but as a cultural symbol of inclusion, where diverse communities share traditions and food. The project also leverages digital storytelling and interactive QR-based panels to engage youth and promote accessibility. Its structure is based on three thematic pillars (Health & Well-being, Art & Culture, Inclusion & Sociality), with continuous activities co-created with residents. This hybrid approach—mixing environmental sustainability, inclusive design, and grassroots participation—is a scalable model for urban regeneration.

Key results and benefits

The project will transform an underused public garden into a dynamic and inclusive space benefiting over 300 residents, including children, elderly people, migrants, and individuals with disabilities. Key expected results include: 

• Improved community well-being through regular outdoor and cultural activities. 

• Enhanced social cohesion by fostering intergenerational and intercultural dialogue. 

• Greater civic engagement via participatory co-design and community-led management. 

• Increased visibility and use of public space, reducing perceptions of insecurity. 

• Inclusive job opportunities, including the hiring of a resident from protected categories. 

• Sustainable social infrastructure with ongoing events, educational labs, and a community oven. 

• Strengthened identity and pride among residents through creative expression and cultural exchange. 

These benefits aim to improve quality of life, stimulate local engagement, and build long-term resilience in a marginalized neighborhood.

Potential for mainstreaming

RI-CREIAMO presents a transferable and adaptable model for urban and social innovation. Its core methodology—based on community co-design, inclusive programming, and neuroaesthetic-driven space regeneration—can be replicated in other marginalized neighborhoods across European cities. 

The use of low-cost infrastructure (e.g., community oven, modular furniture, open-air labs), combined with strong community involvement and cross-sector partnerships, makes the model sustainable and scalable. The three thematic pillars (Well-being, Culture, Inclusion) provide a flexible framework adaptable to local needs and contexts. 

The model also aligns with EU priorities on sustainable cities, social inclusion, and active citizenship, offering potential for integration into municipal regeneration strategies, social innovation policies, and cohesion funding schemes. Its impact can be further amplified through digital engagement tools and open-source documentation, facilitating knowledge sharing across networks.