Officina Giovani
Officina Giovani Project
Officina Giovani: A vibrant hub for creativity, collaboration, and community. This open, inclusive space empowers individuals to connect, share ideas, and spark innovation. A place where the future is built together, one conversation at a time.
Italy
Bortolo Lino Vanzetti n.2 Street (First floor)
Early initiative
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
024105: Thiene (IT)
Officina Giovani is a multifunctional space designed for the youth of Thiene and its surrounding areas. The project aims to foster socialization, skill development, study, and active participation in community life. Located on the first floor of the building at Via Bortolo Lino Vanzetti No. 2, it includes seven rooms, each dedicated to specific activities based on input from the young people who participated in a needs assessment using the participatory approach, ensuring the activities are aligned with real community’s needs. The activities offered are inclusive and open to all young people from Thiene and nearby areas, aiming to stimulate their civic and critical awareness through a participatory approach. These programs address global issues that impact local daily life, helping participants understand how to minimize their environmental impact and improve their quality of life. Aligning with the NEB values, the activities focus on sustainability, fostering eco-friendly behaviours, promoting collaborations with local sustainability efforts, and planning future events at the Student Park. The space also promotes inclusion, offering a free and open place for youth and the wider community. Furthermore, Officina Giovani will offer courses tailor-made for NEET (2026) supported by territorial cooperatives and associations. At least 2 up-skilling courses will be organised in line with industries and youth’s needs (recurring Working Table).
Target group: adolescents from Thiene and surrounding areas. The project's expected outcomes are:
1. Empowered youth community,
2. Valorised unused public space,
3. Enhanced young people's skills,
4. Strengthened sense of belonging,
5. Raised awareness of sustainability, inclusion, and quality of experience.
Target group: adolescents from Thiene and surrounding areas. The project's expected outcomes are:
1. Empowered youth community,
2. Valorised unused public space,
3. Enhanced young people's skills,
4. Strengthened sense of belonging,
5. Raised awareness of sustainability, inclusion, and quality of experience.
YOUTH
PARTICIPATORY APPROACH
SUSTAINABILITY
INNOVATIVE
SENSE OF BELONGING
Officina Giovani, located at the Cornaggia complex in Thiene (previously the local Revenue Agency office), is a vibrant public space designed to nurture growth, creativity, and engagement for young people and the broader community. Born from the requests of local youth, the project transforms an underused building into a dynamic hub for meetings, discussions, and idea-sharing. Aligned with sustainability goals, the municipality has begun energy-efficient renovations in the Cornaggia complex, with plans for similar upgrades in the Officina Giovani wing. This commitment to reducing environmental impact is further reflected in the space's strategy of reusing materials to minimize waste. Many furnishings, including tables, chairs, sofas, and bookshelves, have been repurposed from municipal warehouses, promoting recycling and resource conservation. Officina Giovani also engages young people in hands-on sustainability initiatives. One example is the "Ci sto? Affare fatica!" project, supported by the Youth Policies Department of Thiene and the Radicà Cooperative, which encourages youth participation in regenerating public spaces. In 2025, the initiative will continue with Officina Giovani’s collaboration. The space will also host workshops such as the “Baratto/Exchange/Trade Lab,” where community members can exchange goods, skills, and knowledge, encouraging waste reduction and conscious consumption. This holistic approach blends social responsibility with environmental sustainability, positioning Officina Giovani as more than just a community space. By repurposing materials and preparing for future energy-efficient upgrades, it offers a model for sustainable development while empowering young people to shape a better future for their community.
Since the Officina Giovani project was co-designed with the project’s target, it is a welcoming and dynamic space which prioritizes both aesthetics and the overall quality of experience for its users. The project follows the methodology of the participatory process ensuring that young people play an active role in shaping their environment, making it not only functional but also deeply personal and reflective of their needs. The furniture, recovered from municipal warehouses, has been carefully selected and arranged by the young users, fostering a sense of ownership and belonging. Moreover, they will personalize the space with posters, photos, and murals, allowing for constant evolution and self-expression.
Comfort and well-being are key considerations in the space’s design. The layout maximizes natural light, while the choice of materials ensures a familiar atmosphere. Special attention has been given to creating different zones tailored to various activities, from quiet study areas to vibrant social hubs. Noise management has also been considered, with designated spaces that allow both focused work and lively interaction. Cultural enrichment is a core value of Officina Giovani. Thanks to the collaboration with the municipal library, books and board games are available to encourage personal growth and social interaction. Beyond aesthetics, the initiative fosters a sense of community by bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds. It encourages new habits of collaboration, skill-sharing, and sustainable thinking. The participatory nature of the project ensures that young people are not just users but co-creators of their space, empowering them to imagine and build a future that reflects their aspirations. Through this approach, Officina Giovani becomes more than just a place, it becomes a living, evolving hub of creativity, learning, and connection.
Comfort and well-being are key considerations in the space’s design. The layout maximizes natural light, while the choice of materials ensures a familiar atmosphere. Special attention has been given to creating different zones tailored to various activities, from quiet study areas to vibrant social hubs. Noise management has also been considered, with designated spaces that allow both focused work and lively interaction. Cultural enrichment is a core value of Officina Giovani. Thanks to the collaboration with the municipal library, books and board games are available to encourage personal growth and social interaction. Beyond aesthetics, the initiative fosters a sense of community by bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds. It encourages new habits of collaboration, skill-sharing, and sustainable thinking. The participatory nature of the project ensures that young people are not just users but co-creators of their space, empowering them to imagine and build a future that reflects their aspirations. Through this approach, Officina Giovani becomes more than just a place, it becomes a living, evolving hub of creativity, learning, and connection.
Officina Giovani is a space created by and for young people, designed to foster socialization, personal growth, and active participation in community life. Its goal is to offer an inclusive and accessible environment where youth can meet, exchange ideas, study, and engage in various activities, ensuring no one feels excluded or marginalized. One of the core principles of Officina Giovani is affordability. All services, resources, and activities are free, eliminating any financial barriers that could prevent participation. This approach ensures equal opportunities for all young people, regardless of their financial situation. The space also actively engages underrepresented communities, aiming to empower those who may otherwise be excluded. Although the venue is not yet fully accessible to individuals with disabilities, there are plans to improve accessibility with the installation of an elevator, as part of a larger energy-efficient renovation for the entire building. This reflects the initiative’s strong commitment to both social and environmental sustainability. The project was co-designed through a participatory process involving local high schools, the Municipality of Thiene, the Youth Policies Department, the Radicà Cooperative, and several other local public administrations. Through regular surveys and consultations, young people have played a direct role in shaping the space to meet their needs, fostering a sense of ownership. Officina Giovani helps combat social fragmentation by providing a shared space where young people from diverse backgrounds can interact, collaborate, and form meaningful relationships. It encourages cross-community dialogue, ensuring that differences in economic status, cultural background, or abilities do not hinder participation while promoting a culture of shared responsibility and respect.
Officina Giovani was born from the direct needs and requests of young people, who sought a safe and welcoming environment as an alternative to spending time on the streets, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, which worsened issues of loneliness and social isolation. Located in a public building revitalized by the Municipality of Thiene, the space was designed in response to these concerns, offering a place for young people to gather, connect, and engage. The initiative has been shaped through the extensive and ongoing involvement of young people. Monthly working groups between Thiene’s high schools and representatives from the Youth Policies Department ensure that the project continuously meets the needs of its users. These meetings allow for discussions, idea sharing, and collaboration to improve Officina Giovani. Additionally, surveys were conducted to better understand students' expectations for the space, ensuring their priorities are reflected in the design and offerings. This participatory approach has made Officina Giovani a true space "by young people, for young people." Youth involvement didn’t stop at consultation—it extended to actively setting up the space, further fostering a sense of ownership and belonging. Officina Giovani, thus, symbolizes collective effort, empowerment, and community-driven change. By promoting a culture of participation and shared responsibility, the project strengthens social cohesion and serves as a model for inclusive, youth-led urban development. This initiative not only benefits young people but also contributes positively to the wider community. In 2025, the inclusion of a young person through civil service will further support ongoing activities and introduce new initiatives aimed at inspiring and engaging young people.
The co-creation and implementation of the project involve the active contribution of various institutional and educational entities in the Thiene Municipality, including:
● Municipality of Thiene: has provided a public space for the community to create a hub for youth engagement and participation.
● Youth Policies Department of Thiene: the public body responsible for overseeing and coordinating the entire co-creation process, ensuring that all activities align with the needs of the youth community.
● Schools in the Municipality of Thiene (Corradini; Istituto Comprensivo Fogazzaro; Ceccato ITS; IPSIA Garbin Thiene; Engim San Gaetano; Chilesotti ITS Thiene): to better understand the requirements of students and educational institutions. Indeed, dedicated working groups with representatives from local high schools and the Youth Policies Department Office were implemented to conduct the needs assessment.
● FP Patronato San Gaetano: students have actively contributed to setting up the spaces dedicated to them, demonstrating a strong spirit of participation and collaboration.
● Radicà Cooperative: actively involved in developing various workshops and experiential activities designed to engage young people, offering them opportunities for personal growth, training, and participation.
● Other neighbouring Municipalities (Schio, Valdagno, Bassano and Arzignano municipalities): to exchange experience and good practice.
● Municipality of Thiene: has provided a public space for the community to create a hub for youth engagement and participation.
● Youth Policies Department of Thiene: the public body responsible for overseeing and coordinating the entire co-creation process, ensuring that all activities align with the needs of the youth community.
● Schools in the Municipality of Thiene (Corradini; Istituto Comprensivo Fogazzaro; Ceccato ITS; IPSIA Garbin Thiene; Engim San Gaetano; Chilesotti ITS Thiene): to better understand the requirements of students and educational institutions. Indeed, dedicated working groups with representatives from local high schools and the Youth Policies Department Office were implemented to conduct the needs assessment.
● FP Patronato San Gaetano: students have actively contributed to setting up the spaces dedicated to them, demonstrating a strong spirit of participation and collaboration.
● Radicà Cooperative: actively involved in developing various workshops and experiential activities designed to engage young people, offering them opportunities for personal growth, training, and participation.
● Other neighbouring Municipalities (Schio, Valdagno, Bassano and Arzignano municipalities): to exchange experience and good practice.
The design and implementation of Officina Giovani are rooted in a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together expertise from various sectors to create a space tailored to the needs of young people. This initiative thrives on collaboration, with key stakeholders contributing resources and knowledge to achieve its goals. The Radicà Cooperative, with its experience in social innovation and community engagement, plays a crucial role in supporting the Youth Policies Department. Through workshops, mentorship programs, and hands-on projects, Radicà helps young people develop life skills, foster personal growth, and promote civic engagement. A survey conducted by Radicà provided valuable insights into the youth's needs and aspirations, shaping the project's design to ensure it aligns with their desires. Local businesses also contribute to Officina Giovani by designing training programs in partnership with schools and public administration. These programs help NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) individuals acquire practical skills and connect them to the job market, fostering community growth and employment opportunities. Collaboration with local high schools and educational institutions ensures that the space remains relevant to the evolving needs of young people. Schools help identify areas where additional support is needed, such as study spaces, tutoring, and extracurricular activities. At the core of Officina Giovani is the Municipality of Thiene and its Youth Policies Department, which coordinates the initiative, ensures alignment with broader urban policies, and secures the resources needed for sustainability. This collaborative, multidisciplinary approach creates a comprehensive support system for young people, addressing social, educational, and professional needs while empowering them to actively shape their future.
The innovative aspect of Officina Giovani lies in offering NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) individuals in Thiene a dedicated space to engage in educational courses tailored to their needs and local industries' requirements. This initiative creates an inclusive environment supporting the personal and professional growth of young people who may be disconnected from education or the workforce. Officina Giovani plans to establish collaborative working tables, bringing together stakeholders from the third sector, local industries, and public administration to discuss skill gaps and employment challenges. This will help design specialized courses aimed at preparing NEET individuals for job opportunities. Given the recruitment difficulties faced by local industries, the initiative plans to launch at least two vocational courses by 2026 to ensure NEET participants are ready for available roles. The program’s flexible schedule will allow NEET participants to attend courses during the day while students are in school, accommodating those with part-time jobs or other challenges. This approach bridges the gap between the education system and the labour market, providing young people with valuable skills while helping local industries build a more qualified workforce. It also strengthens community connections and fosters sustainable solutions to youth unemployment. Another key innovation is the Baratto Lab, which promotes a collaborative economy by encouraging participants to exchange skills and expertise. For example, a student proficient in digital design could offer a tutorial in exchange for bicycle repairs. This dynamic exchange fosters sustainability by creating an ecosystem of shared responsibility where knowledge, creativity, and practical skills are valued alongside material goods. Officina Giovani is thus not just teaching sustainability but fostering community collaboration and innovation.
The Officina Giovani’s methodology is based on a participatory and co-creation approach, with young people at the centre of the decision-making process. This bottom-up approach ensured that the initiative truly addressed the needs of the youth community and that the space was designed to be functional and inclusive. The direct involvement of young people in the ideation and design process played a crucial role, providing the necessary input to understand their priorities. This approach made the entire process more authentic and targeted, ensuring that the outcome aligned with the beneficiaries’ real needs. Another key aspect of the methodology was the network of stakeholders’ involvement. Indeed, public institutions, local cooperatives, and other actors in the community were engaged, creating an alliance of parties who could provide concrete support for the youth's needs. The methodology that will be applied for the project’s implementation, following the official opening of Officina Giovani to the public, will be inclusive and participatory, allowing young people, the community, and local organizations to propose initiatives and activities to be carried out within the space.
The methodology underlying the Officina Giovani project is to physically open a space dedicated to young people and the community in general, for the exchange of ideas, proposals, knowledge, and resources, thus fostering a sense of belonging to the community and a collective responsibility for the common good.
Periodic meetings (Working Tables) are planned to ensure that activities are carried out appropriately and in line with what was planned; to collect feedback from the final users; to explore proposals from the community; and to discuss the overall progress of the project, to identify weaknesses (to improve) and strengths (which could be replicated in other contexts).
The methodology underlying the Officina Giovani project is to physically open a space dedicated to young people and the community in general, for the exchange of ideas, proposals, knowledge, and resources, thus fostering a sense of belonging to the community and a collective responsibility for the common good.
Periodic meetings (Working Tables) are planned to ensure that activities are carried out appropriately and in line with what was planned; to collect feedback from the final users; to explore proposals from the community; and to discuss the overall progress of the project, to identify weaknesses (to improve) and strengths (which could be replicated in other contexts).
Officina Giovani is an initiative that can be fully replicated in any municipality in Italy and across Europe, as the construction process has been uniform and linear. The key to its successful replication lies in the commitment and belief of all those involved in its realisation. The methodology applied is based on participation and the active involvement of stakeholders, ensuring that the needs and desires of the community, especially the youth, are at the forefront of the planning and implementation process.
One of the primary elements that can be transferred is the collaborative approach to improving public spaces. By working with young people, local authorities, and educational institutions, Officina Giovani fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, that leads to greater community engagement. This participatory process can be easily adapted to other communities, where young people and local actors are empowered to design and implement spaces that respond to their specific needs.
The upcycled materials usage and cost-effective solutions are other aspects that can be replicated. Officina Giovani’s emphasis on reusing resources, such as furniture from municipal warehouses, contributes to sustainability and economic savings. Furthermore, the multi-perspectives approach and partnership with local schools, cooperatives, and other organisations are essential for the initiative’s success. These partnerships create a network of support that ensures the continuity of the project and fosters an environment of learning and growth for all involved. The model of collaborative work is a transferable element that can be adapted to various contexts.
One of the primary elements that can be transferred is the collaborative approach to improving public spaces. By working with young people, local authorities, and educational institutions, Officina Giovani fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, that leads to greater community engagement. This participatory process can be easily adapted to other communities, where young people and local actors are empowered to design and implement spaces that respond to their specific needs.
The upcycled materials usage and cost-effective solutions are other aspects that can be replicated. Officina Giovani’s emphasis on reusing resources, such as furniture from municipal warehouses, contributes to sustainability and economic savings. Furthermore, the multi-perspectives approach and partnership with local schools, cooperatives, and other organisations are essential for the initiative’s success. These partnerships create a network of support that ensures the continuity of the project and fosters an environment of learning and growth for all involved. The model of collaborative work is a transferable element that can be adapted to various contexts.
Officina Giovani addresses global challenges such as climate action, reduced inequalities, sustainable communities, and youth empowerment, all while aligning with European and International initiatives for a better quality of life.
The project brings local solutions to these pressing global issues by creating an inclusive, sustainable, and engaging space where young people actively contribute to the betterment of their environment and society. Especially, Officina Giovani Project aligns with:
● SDG n.4 Quality Education, offering study rooms and workshops that focus on developing skills and fostering knowledge in various fields, empowering young people with the tools needed for their academic and personal growth;
● SDG n.10 Reduced Inequality, offering a safe and accessible space for all young people, regardless of background, ethnicity, or socio-economic status: the space encourages socialization, community building, and civic engagement;
● SDG n.11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, transforming unused public space into a multifunctional youth hub, the project directly contributes to the revitalization of urban spaces, promoting social cohesion, and making the space accessible for the community;
● SDG n.13 Climate Action since the space will host activities that raise awareness among young people about eco-friendly behaviours, sustainability practices, and the local impact of global environmental challenges. Initiatives can also include organizing community clean-up events, sustainability workshops, and awareness campaigns about minimizing carbon footprints;
● SDG n.16 Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, involving young people in the decision-making process and allowing them to shape the activities and functioning of the space, the project promotes active citizenship and civic participation. This fosters youth empowerment and encourages young people to take part in societal development in a peaceful, just, and inclusive manner.
The project brings local solutions to these pressing global issues by creating an inclusive, sustainable, and engaging space where young people actively contribute to the betterment of their environment and society. Especially, Officina Giovani Project aligns with:
● SDG n.4 Quality Education, offering study rooms and workshops that focus on developing skills and fostering knowledge in various fields, empowering young people with the tools needed for their academic and personal growth;
● SDG n.10 Reduced Inequality, offering a safe and accessible space for all young people, regardless of background, ethnicity, or socio-economic status: the space encourages socialization, community building, and civic engagement;
● SDG n.11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, transforming unused public space into a multifunctional youth hub, the project directly contributes to the revitalization of urban spaces, promoting social cohesion, and making the space accessible for the community;
● SDG n.13 Climate Action since the space will host activities that raise awareness among young people about eco-friendly behaviours, sustainability practices, and the local impact of global environmental challenges. Initiatives can also include organizing community clean-up events, sustainability workshops, and awareness campaigns about minimizing carbon footprints;
● SDG n.16 Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, involving young people in the decision-making process and allowing them to shape the activities and functioning of the space, the project promotes active citizenship and civic participation. This fosters youth empowerment and encourages young people to take part in societal development in a peaceful, just, and inclusive manner.
Officina Giovani is set to expand its offerings by introducing new initiatives that align with sustainability, inclusivity, and aesthetics. The project aims to create a dynamic, accessible space for young people to gather, learn, and shape their community. In the coming months, it will introduce services supporting various aspects of youth development. The space will remain a safe, inclusive environment for young people to meet, socialize, and build connections. Sustainability: The initiative promotes sustainability in multiple ways, such as repurposing materials, fostering eco-friendly behaviours, and using energy-efficient renovation strategies for the building. These actions directly support NEB's focus on reducing environmental impact and promoting resource-efficient practices.
Inclusivity: Officina Giovani is explicitly designed to be inclusive, offering free access to services and focusing on engaging underrepresented groups, especially NEET youth. The space promotes equal opportunities for young people, irrespective of their economic status, which resonates with NEB’s goal of creating spaces that are accessible and welcoming for everyone.
Aesthetics: Officina Giovani also pays attention to creating a functional and inspiring environment. The space is designed to be aesthetically appealing while promoting well-being, which is in line with NEB’s emphasis on beauty, quality of life, and creating spaces that positively affect people’s emotions and experiences.
Community-driven regeneration: The project is a model for community-driven urban regeneration, aligning with NEB's goal of fostering a sense of ownership and collaboration in the shaping of public spaces. The involvement of local stakeholders, including youth, businesses, and institutions, helps ensure that the space serves the community's evolving needs. Moving forward, Officina Giovani will continue expanding its collaborations with institutions and local organizations to broaden its range of services.
Inclusivity: Officina Giovani is explicitly designed to be inclusive, offering free access to services and focusing on engaging underrepresented groups, especially NEET youth. The space promotes equal opportunities for young people, irrespective of their economic status, which resonates with NEB’s goal of creating spaces that are accessible and welcoming for everyone.
Aesthetics: Officina Giovani also pays attention to creating a functional and inspiring environment. The space is designed to be aesthetically appealing while promoting well-being, which is in line with NEB’s emphasis on beauty, quality of life, and creating spaces that positively affect people’s emotions and experiences.
Community-driven regeneration: The project is a model for community-driven urban regeneration, aligning with NEB's goal of fostering a sense of ownership and collaboration in the shaping of public spaces. The involvement of local stakeholders, including youth, businesses, and institutions, helps ensure that the space serves the community's evolving needs. Moving forward, Officina Giovani will continue expanding its collaborations with institutions and local organizations to broaden its range of services.
