fuoriCENTRO
Basic information
Project Title
fuoriCENTRO
Full project title
fuoriCENTRO a new life space for Ivrea
Category
Regaining a sense of belonging
Project Description
What happens if you take a space in between. were people only pass by to catch their train or buses, and you place in there a structure to seat, read and chat? It happens that the passerby becomes users, the place becomes alive, the space in between becomes a public square. This is what happened in the Movicentro of Ivrea, the place that hosts the train and bus station and that is home to Zac, an organization that works on education and empowerment of young adults.
Geographical Scope
Local
Project Region
Ivrea, Italy
Urban or rural issues
Mainly urban
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
FuoriCENTRO is an urban acupuncture project that aims to transform the outdoor area of Ivrea’s Movicentro. Movicentros are structures quite common in Italy, serving as transportation hubs where people can commute and switch between cars, trains, and buses. They are typically located on the outskirts of urban centers, often perceived as unsafe places. In 2015, the cooperative Zac took over the management, introducing a small shop featuring local products, a study room, a space for private meetings, and a bar. Thanks to these additions, the place has improved and now attracts people for lunch breaks or afternoon studying. Additionally, they offer an extensive program of cultural events, ranging from book presentations to music concerts. But the outdoor area is currently an empty parking lot, lacking identity and failing to encourage people to stay. FuoriCENTRO, aims to change this. The first phase involved engaging users, particularly young people who traverse the space to reach their schools, in imagining how the space could be in the future. We conducted two sessions: one where we asked them to envision the space, and another where we occupied the area and the street for a day, experimenting with various activities such as book reading, a collective lunch, basketball, skateboarding, and tennis table. In the second phase, based on the suggestions from the first phase, we developed a project that responded to the users' needs: more space for play and sports, a comfortable and welcoming area to wait for buses. We organized a crowdfunding campaign to make the transformation of the area a reality. In the third and final phase, working within the budget we attained, we adjusted our project to align with both the expectations and the funding we had. The result is a collective area featuring a communal table tennis setup with a box for shared bats and balls, and a relaxation area with benches that we built in collaboration with users and a group of architecture students.
Key objectives for sustainability
The project was crafted to address various facets of sustainability : environmental, economic, and social. Adopting the concept of temporary architecture, we prioritized sustainability by implementing a prototype to assess the viability of our ideas before committing to permanent structures that might have a more significant environmental impact. In terms of material selection, we consciously opted for recyclable materials sourced from local producers, promoting environmental responsibility. Leveraging the pre-existing urban environment also played a crucial role in minimizing our ecological footprint.Economically, our project demonstrated sustainability by operating on a modest budget derived from a successful crowdfunding campaign. This approach not only showcased financial prudence but also engaged the community in supporting a venture that would enhance their surroundings. Social sustainability was a core focus, as we actively involved all individuals using the space in our planning and execution phases, fostering a sense of ownership and community cohesion. Furthermore, our project aimed to contribute to increased public transport usage by creating a welcoming and safe environment around the Movicentro. By transforming the outdoor area into a vibrant and attractive space, we sought to encourage people to choose public transport options, aligning with broader sustainability goals for urban mobility. In summary, our project serves as an exemplary model of sustainability through its innovative use of temporary architecture, eco-friendly material choices, financial prudence, community engagement, and its positive impact on public transportation habits.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
Collaborating closely with the people, the design of the benches and the graphics of the ping pong area aimed to create a shared image of the space that is integrated, clear, and easily recognizable. Personalized colors and benches were strategically chosen to elevate the aesthetic appeal of the area, fostering a more visually pleasant atmosphere.
The design elements were imbued with symbolic meaning, such as the drawing of a drop expanding in the water, representing the outreach of Zac into Ivrea. This intentional symbolism adds depth and cultural significance to the project, creating a narrative that resonates with the community. The project's logo, used both symbolically and as a pattern on the floor, mirrors the shape of the canopy covering the area, further reinforcing a cohesive and distinctive identity.
By actively working on creating a unique identity, we aimed to make the space easily recognizable and memorable for the people who engage with it. This approach contributes to a higher quality of experience, fostering a sense of connection and belonging within the community. In this context, our project stands out as exemplary by seamlessly blending aesthetic considerations with meaningful cultural elements, ultimately enriching the overall experience of the space for its users.
The design elements were imbued with symbolic meaning, such as the drawing of a drop expanding in the water, representing the outreach of Zac into Ivrea. This intentional symbolism adds depth and cultural significance to the project, creating a narrative that resonates with the community. The project's logo, used both symbolically and as a pattern on the floor, mirrors the shape of the canopy covering the area, further reinforcing a cohesive and distinctive identity.
By actively working on creating a unique identity, we aimed to make the space easily recognizable and memorable for the people who engage with it. This approach contributes to a higher quality of experience, fostering a sense of connection and belonging within the community. In this context, our project stands out as exemplary by seamlessly blending aesthetic considerations with meaningful cultural elements, ultimately enriching the overall experience of the space for its users.
Key objectives for inclusion
The key objectives of our project in terms of inclusion extend beyond mere accessibility to foster a cultural inclusion that embraces diversity and engages the community. The newly developed collective area is intentionally designed as an open space, removing barriers to access and welcoming everyone who passes by. Our commitment to cultural inclusion is manifested through the project's goal of creating a space where people from various backgrounds can come together, fostering meaningful connections and conversations. This inclusivity was actively pursued during the construction phase, where the building of benches and the painting of the table-tennis table became collective endeavors. In two dedicated workshops, individuals from different cultural groups that utilize the area actively participated, demonstrating their interest in the ongoing transformation.
Participation, in our view, is a powerful tool for achieving inclusion, and we employed this approach both in the preliminary phase of ideation and throughout the realization phase. By engaging with various cultural groups, we sought to ensure that the project resonates with all users of the space, including those who pass through without utilizing it, those who use it but may seek additional activities, and even those who hesitate to visit due to perceived safety concerns. Our multi-faceted approach, encompassing participation, cultural engagement, and a commitment to addressing diverse needs, positions our project as exemplary in promoting a truly inclusive and culturally rich public space that transcends traditional boundaries.
Participation, in our view, is a powerful tool for achieving inclusion, and we employed this approach both in the preliminary phase of ideation and throughout the realization phase. By engaging with various cultural groups, we sought to ensure that the project resonates with all users of the space, including those who pass through without utilizing it, those who use it but may seek additional activities, and even those who hesitate to visit due to perceived safety concerns. Our multi-faceted approach, encompassing participation, cultural engagement, and a commitment to addressing diverse needs, positions our project as exemplary in promoting a truly inclusive and culturally rich public space that transcends traditional boundaries.
Results in relation to category
The outcomes of our project have been transformative, with positive impacts on both the physical space and the community dynamics. Shortly after installing the table tennis table, the area experienced increased vitality, attracting people even in the evenings. The addition of light beneath the benches contributed to a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making the space more accessible and enjoyable.
A noteworthy development was the active involvement of local youth in enhancing the installation. Using the same co-building technique applied to the benches, they added components to conceal bins, demonstrating a strong sense of ownership and responsibility for maintaining a clean environment. This response indicates a deep connection and belonging within the community, showcasing the open and implementable nature of the process.
The installation of the table tennis table also addressed safety concerns by engaging a group of individuals accustomed to creating an unsafe environment through alcohol consumption. Involving them in the decoration of the table shifted their behavior positively, transforming the space into an active recreation area instead of a site for unsafe activities. This tangible result highlights the project's efficacy in altering community dynamics and fostering a safer, more positive atmosphere.
Direct beneficiaries, including local residents and youth, have gained an enriched and inviting public space, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Indirect beneficiaries extend to the broader community, as the transformed area contributes to increased safety and a more vibrant atmosphere. Overall, the project's outcomes underscore its effectiveness in redefining and positively impacting the local environment and community dynamics.
A noteworthy development was the active involvement of local youth in enhancing the installation. Using the same co-building technique applied to the benches, they added components to conceal bins, demonstrating a strong sense of ownership and responsibility for maintaining a clean environment. This response indicates a deep connection and belonging within the community, showcasing the open and implementable nature of the process.
The installation of the table tennis table also addressed safety concerns by engaging a group of individuals accustomed to creating an unsafe environment through alcohol consumption. Involving them in the decoration of the table shifted their behavior positively, transforming the space into an active recreation area instead of a site for unsafe activities. This tangible result highlights the project's efficacy in altering community dynamics and fostering a safer, more positive atmosphere.
Direct beneficiaries, including local residents and youth, have gained an enriched and inviting public space, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Indirect beneficiaries extend to the broader community, as the transformed area contributes to increased safety and a more vibrant atmosphere. Overall, the project's outcomes underscore its effectiveness in redefining and positively impacting the local environment and community dynamics.
How Citizens benefit
Our project employed a multi-tiered approach to engage citizens and civil society, ensuring diverse perspectives and fostering a sense of collective ownership. At the inner level, involving individuals working for the cooperative and intimately connected with the daily life of the space, a series of meetings were conducted using tools like the word café to capture their visions for the future. This level of engagement allowed us to understand the needs and aspirations of those directly connected to the project's daily operations.
The second level of involvement focused on students, as approximately 2000 students pass through the area daily to reach schools in the vicinity. Recognizing the potential of the new area as a crucial social space for them, an event was organized during the time when students exited school. This event included a social lunch and afternoon sports activities, addressing the findings of a previous project that identified a need for more sports facilities. The engagement resulted in increased participation, with students expressing their desires for the area on a board provided for this purpose.
The third level of involvement extended to the broader citizenry. During the aforementioned event, lasting the entire afternoon, families were actively engaged through book reading activities and specialized sports lessons for children. This holistic approach ensured that the project catered to the needs and preferences of various demographic groups within the community. In the realization phase, an effort was made to involve young people and adults from ethnic groups frequenting the area. This inclusive approach not only addressed the diverse needs of the community but also contributed to building a more comprehensive and representative understanding of the project. This multifaceted involvement strategy has been profound, creating a sense of community ownership, enriching the project with diverse perspectives.
The second level of involvement focused on students, as approximately 2000 students pass through the area daily to reach schools in the vicinity. Recognizing the potential of the new area as a crucial social space for them, an event was organized during the time when students exited school. This event included a social lunch and afternoon sports activities, addressing the findings of a previous project that identified a need for more sports facilities. The engagement resulted in increased participation, with students expressing their desires for the area on a board provided for this purpose.
The third level of involvement extended to the broader citizenry. During the aforementioned event, lasting the entire afternoon, families were actively engaged through book reading activities and specialized sports lessons for children. This holistic approach ensured that the project catered to the needs and preferences of various demographic groups within the community. In the realization phase, an effort was made to involve young people and adults from ethnic groups frequenting the area. This inclusive approach not only addressed the diverse needs of the community but also contributed to building a more comprehensive and representative understanding of the project. This multifaceted involvement strategy has been profound, creating a sense of community ownership, enriching the project with diverse perspectives.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Innovative character
Unlike traditional projects, our initiative is conceived as a continuous process rather than a finite undertaking. It embraces an open process, inviting diverse stakeholders to contribute actively, transforming it into a multi-actor endeavor. This departure from conventional project models reflects a commitment to sustained community engagement, allowing for ongoing improvements and adaptations.
Integral to our innovative approach is the utilization of co-design and prototyping as central tools. Co-design facilitates a collaborative process where various stakeholders actively contribute to shaping the project, fostering a sense of collective ownership. Prototyping further enhances this methodology by allowing us to test and refine ideas before full-scale implementation. This iterative process ensures that the final outcome is not only well-crafted but also responsive to the evolving needs and aspirations of the community.
Direct involvement of the people is a cornerstone of our innovation. By actively engaging the community in the decision-making process, we tap into local knowledge, preferences, and cultural nuances. This participatory approach contrasts with conventional top-down models, ensuring that the project is deeply rooted in the community's identity and resonates with its members. This inclusive strategy fosters a sense of belonging, resulting in a more sustainable and impactful transformation.
In essence, our project's innovative character lies in its commitment to an open and continuous process, the strategic use of co-design and prototyping, and the direct involvement of the community. These distinctive features set it apart from mainstream approaches in the field, paving the way for a more inclusive, adaptable, and community-driven model of urban transformation.
Integral to our innovative approach is the utilization of co-design and prototyping as central tools. Co-design facilitates a collaborative process where various stakeholders actively contribute to shaping the project, fostering a sense of collective ownership. Prototyping further enhances this methodology by allowing us to test and refine ideas before full-scale implementation. This iterative process ensures that the final outcome is not only well-crafted but also responsive to the evolving needs and aspirations of the community.
Direct involvement of the people is a cornerstone of our innovation. By actively engaging the community in the decision-making process, we tap into local knowledge, preferences, and cultural nuances. This participatory approach contrasts with conventional top-down models, ensuring that the project is deeply rooted in the community's identity and resonates with its members. This inclusive strategy fosters a sense of belonging, resulting in a more sustainable and impactful transformation.
In essence, our project's innovative character lies in its commitment to an open and continuous process, the strategic use of co-design and prototyping, and the direct involvement of the community. These distinctive features set it apart from mainstream approaches in the field, paving the way for a more inclusive, adaptable, and community-driven model of urban transformation.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
The design and implementation of our project seamlessly integrated various disciplines, enriching the process with insights from architecture, education, communication, sociology, and urban studies. Architecture played a central role as the primary competence guiding the project's design. The spatial considerations, aesthetics, and functional aspects were meticulously shaped by architectural expertise, ensuring a cohesive and purposeful transformation of the Movicentro's outdoor area.
Education emerged as a core discipline, constituting the fundamental action of Zac. Given Zac's commitment to street education and activities aimed at engaging young individuals who may not attend formal schooling, this expertise played a crucial role in connecting with and involving the local youth around the Movicentro. Communication competences came into play during the crowdfunding campaign, a critical phase in realizing the project. Collaborating with communication experts, we developed a compelling campaign strategy that effectively conveyed the project's vision and garnered support.
Sociology and urban studies provided essential knowledge for understanding user behaviors and habits within the targeted space. These disciplines enabled a nuanced exploration of how people interacted with the area—when they used it, in what ways, and for how long. This sociological understanding was crucial in tailoring the project to meet the specific needs of the community, ensuring that the transformed space aligned seamlessly with existing user patterns and preferences.
The project's success can be attributed to the ability to leverage these diverse disciplines, creating a comprehensive and contextually relevant intervention that transcends traditional silos. In essence, the interdisciplinary collaboration added depth, resonance, and effectiveness to the project, contributing to its transformative impact on the Movicentro's outdoor area.
Education emerged as a core discipline, constituting the fundamental action of Zac. Given Zac's commitment to street education and activities aimed at engaging young individuals who may not attend formal schooling, this expertise played a crucial role in connecting with and involving the local youth around the Movicentro. Communication competences came into play during the crowdfunding campaign, a critical phase in realizing the project. Collaborating with communication experts, we developed a compelling campaign strategy that effectively conveyed the project's vision and garnered support.
Sociology and urban studies provided essential knowledge for understanding user behaviors and habits within the targeted space. These disciplines enabled a nuanced exploration of how people interacted with the area—when they used it, in what ways, and for how long. This sociological understanding was crucial in tailoring the project to meet the specific needs of the community, ensuring that the transformed space aligned seamlessly with existing user patterns and preferences.
The project's success can be attributed to the ability to leverage these diverse disciplines, creating a comprehensive and contextually relevant intervention that transcends traditional silos. In essence, the interdisciplinary collaboration added depth, resonance, and effectiveness to the project, contributing to its transformative impact on the Movicentro's outdoor area.
Methodology used
Our project is characterized by a dynamic methodology that combines temporary architecture, participatory processes, and co-design with co-building and prototyping. The adoption of temporary architecture serves as a key pillar, allowing us to implement prototypes and assess their viability before committing to permanent structures. This approach aligns with sustainability principles, enabling us to test ideas, gather feedback, and refine designs in real-time, minimizing environmental impact.
Central to our methodology is a participatory process that actively involves the community in decision-making. Through workshops, meetings, and engagement sessions, we foster a collaborative environment where diverse stakeholders contribute to shaping the project. This inclusive approach ensures that the final outcome resonates with the community's needs, preferences, and aspirations.
The integration of co-design and co-building amplifies community engagement. By facilitating a collaborative design process, we empower participants to contribute their insights, resulting in a shared vision for the project. Co-building involves the active participation of the community in the construction phase, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in the transformed space.
Prototyping is a fundamental component of our methodology, providing a tangible means to test and refine ideas before full-scale implementation. This iterative process allows us to experiment with different elements, assess their functionality, and make adjustments based on direct feedback from the community. The prototyping phase contributes to the adaptability and responsiveness of the project to the evolving needs of the users.
This multifaceted approach ensures a sustainable, community-driven, and adaptable urban transformation, reflecting a commitment to innovation and responsiveness to the specific context of the Movicentro's outdoor area.
Central to our methodology is a participatory process that actively involves the community in decision-making. Through workshops, meetings, and engagement sessions, we foster a collaborative environment where diverse stakeholders contribute to shaping the project. This inclusive approach ensures that the final outcome resonates with the community's needs, preferences, and aspirations.
The integration of co-design and co-building amplifies community engagement. By facilitating a collaborative design process, we empower participants to contribute their insights, resulting in a shared vision for the project. Co-building involves the active participation of the community in the construction phase, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in the transformed space.
Prototyping is a fundamental component of our methodology, providing a tangible means to test and refine ideas before full-scale implementation. This iterative process allows us to experiment with different elements, assess their functionality, and make adjustments based on direct feedback from the community. The prototyping phase contributes to the adaptability and responsiveness of the project to the evolving needs of the users.
This multifaceted approach ensures a sustainable, community-driven, and adaptable urban transformation, reflecting a commitment to innovation and responsiveness to the specific context of the Movicentro's outdoor area.
How stakeholders are engaged
Engaging stakeholders at various levels was integral to the design and implementation of our project, fostering a collaborative effort that spanned local, regional, and even national European levels. At the local level, a multitude of associations played pivotal roles, with Zac assuming the leadership role as the area manager. Alongside them, Lettera22, a local basketball school association, Morenic cycling temas,an informal group of skaters, and representatives from the public administration were actively involved. Each association brought a unique perspective, contributing to the diversity of insights that shaped the project. The skaters, for instance, offered valuable input on the design elements that would cater to their community's needs.
Regionally, our project received support from "BottomUp," an initiative facilitated by the Fondazione per l'architettura of Turin. This regional backing went beyond mere financial support, extending to training and crowdfunding coaching, offering invaluable resources and expertise to enhance the project's viability. This regional collaboration not only strengthened the project's foundation but also established connections that transcended the immediate community, enriching the overall project discourse.
Furthermore, the involvement of Civil Service workers within Zac added another layer of engagement at the local level. These individuals, embedded within the community, played a crucial role in facilitating communication and collaboration between different stakeholders. Their involvement ensured that the project aligned with the specific needs and dynamics of the local context.
On a broader scale, the national and European levels were indirectly influenced by the project's engagement at lower levels. The collaborative effort at the local and regional levels not only showcased the effectiveness of community-driven initiatives but also demonstrated the potential for replicability and scalability in different contexts.
Regionally, our project received support from "BottomUp," an initiative facilitated by the Fondazione per l'architettura of Turin. This regional backing went beyond mere financial support, extending to training and crowdfunding coaching, offering invaluable resources and expertise to enhance the project's viability. This regional collaboration not only strengthened the project's foundation but also established connections that transcended the immediate community, enriching the overall project discourse.
Furthermore, the involvement of Civil Service workers within Zac added another layer of engagement at the local level. These individuals, embedded within the community, played a crucial role in facilitating communication and collaboration between different stakeholders. Their involvement ensured that the project aligned with the specific needs and dynamics of the local context.
On a broader scale, the national and European levels were indirectly influenced by the project's engagement at lower levels. The collaborative effort at the local and regional levels not only showcased the effectiveness of community-driven initiatives but also demonstrated the potential for replicability and scalability in different contexts.
Global challenges
The project effectively addresses global challenges by providing local solutions aligned with Goal 11 of the Agenda 2030: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Focused on transforming the Movicentro's outdoor area, traditionally perceived as unsafe, into an inclusive public space, the intervention serves as a local solution to broader urban challenges.
The project contributes to increased security by strategically adding elements that not only provide identity but also serve functional purposes to the area. By reimagining the space as a dynamic public square, the community actively engages in live monitoring, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and enhancing safety for all. This local initiative demonstrates a bottom-up approach to address safety concerns, offering a model for creating secure and resilient urban environments.
Furthermore, the project challenges the prevailing perception of the area, turning it into a new space of inclusion. In contrast to the conventional view of the space as "dangerous," the transformed Movicentro becomes a hub where individuals, often stigmatized as risky, become active participants in public life. This local solution has the potential to shift societal attitudes towards inclusivity, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in reshaping urban narratives.
In essence, the project provides a local solution that resonates globally by contributing to the realization of Goal 11. It exemplifies how reimagining and actively engaging with local spaces can create inclusive, safe, and resilient urban environments, offering valuable insights and inspiration for addressing similar challenges in diverse global contexts.
The project contributes to increased security by strategically adding elements that not only provide identity but also serve functional purposes to the area. By reimagining the space as a dynamic public square, the community actively engages in live monitoring, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and enhancing safety for all. This local initiative demonstrates a bottom-up approach to address safety concerns, offering a model for creating secure and resilient urban environments.
Furthermore, the project challenges the prevailing perception of the area, turning it into a new space of inclusion. In contrast to the conventional view of the space as "dangerous," the transformed Movicentro becomes a hub where individuals, often stigmatized as risky, become active participants in public life. This local solution has the potential to shift societal attitudes towards inclusivity, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in reshaping urban narratives.
In essence, the project provides a local solution that resonates globally by contributing to the realization of Goal 11. It exemplifies how reimagining and actively engaging with local spaces can create inclusive, safe, and resilient urban environments, offering valuable insights and inspiration for addressing similar challenges in diverse global contexts.
Learning transferred to other parties
The elements of our project that hold replicability potential lie in the adaptable methodology applied, which can be easily transposed to other spaces with engaged communities seeking to enhance their environments. The process involves a systematic approach:
Listening to People's Wishes and Vision: The initial step entails actively engaging with the community to understand their desires and vision for the space. This inclusive approach ensures that the transformation aligns with the unique needs and aspirations of the local users.
Elaboration of a Project: Once community input is gathered, a collaborative project is developed, incorporating co-design principles. This step ensures that the project is a shared endeavor, reflecting the collective vision of the community.
Crowdfunding Campaign: Financial support is garnered through crowdfunding, providing a platform for community members and external stakeholders to contribute to the project. This step not only secures necessary funds but also fosters a sense of shared responsibility for the transformation.
Realization Together with Users: The project comes to life through a collective realization process involving the direct users of the space. This hands-on approach not only ensures that the community is actively involved in the construction phase but also reinforces a sense of ownership and pride.
The simplicity and clarity of these steps make the methodology easily replicable in diverse contexts. The emphasis on reasoning as a process rather than a finite project enhances adaptability, allowing communities in various locations to tailor the approach to their specific needs. Whether in urban or rural settings, the methodology can be applied to transform spaces from the ground up, creating more inclusive and community-driven environments.
Listening to People's Wishes and Vision: The initial step entails actively engaging with the community to understand their desires and vision for the space. This inclusive approach ensures that the transformation aligns with the unique needs and aspirations of the local users.
Elaboration of a Project: Once community input is gathered, a collaborative project is developed, incorporating co-design principles. This step ensures that the project is a shared endeavor, reflecting the collective vision of the community.
Crowdfunding Campaign: Financial support is garnered through crowdfunding, providing a platform for community members and external stakeholders to contribute to the project. This step not only secures necessary funds but also fosters a sense of shared responsibility for the transformation.
Realization Together with Users: The project comes to life through a collective realization process involving the direct users of the space. This hands-on approach not only ensures that the community is actively involved in the construction phase but also reinforces a sense of ownership and pride.
The simplicity and clarity of these steps make the methodology easily replicable in diverse contexts. The emphasis on reasoning as a process rather than a finite project enhances adaptability, allowing communities in various locations to tailor the approach to their specific needs. Whether in urban or rural settings, the methodology can be applied to transform spaces from the ground up, creating more inclusive and community-driven environments.
Keywords
Public space
Co-design
Temporary architecture
Community
Bottom up
