POLImini
Basic information
Project Title
POLImini
Full project title
Shaping University Neighborhoods for Future Learning: A Hub Near Politecnico's Bovisa Campus
Category
Regaining a sense of belonging
Project Description
POLImini may be a small space,
but it carries a BIG mission!
POLImini is a dynamic learning hub dedicated to strengthening the local community's bond and engagement with its neighbouring university.
In today's ever-changing world, urbanization, social fragmentation and climate change require our collective attention and action. Our mission is to unite minds and voices for positive change. POLImini offers services and experiences, driving social innovation and lifelong learning.
but it carries a BIG mission!
POLImini is a dynamic learning hub dedicated to strengthening the local community's bond and engagement with its neighbouring university.
In today's ever-changing world, urbanization, social fragmentation and climate change require our collective attention and action. Our mission is to unite minds and voices for positive change. POLImini offers services and experiences, driving social innovation and lifelong learning.
Geographical Scope
Local
Project Region
Milan, 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
POLImini is a distinctive solution dedicated to nurturing a sense of belonging and lifelong learning within the local community. Nestled in the vibrant heart of Milan's Bovisa district, this dynamic learning space is intricately designed to enhance the connection between the community and Politecnico di Milano, fostering a profound relationship with the school of design and its extensive ecosystem.
At the core of POLImini lies its exceptional spatial flexibility, offering many opportunities for the Bovisa Community to participate in various activities and informal learning gatherings. This hub serves as a dynamic platform for the exchange of knowledge and the promotion of sustainable lifestyles, capitalizing on the School of Design's wealth of expertise and innovative spirit.
Through its diverse services, POLImini extends its benefits to the entire community by cultivating a sustainable mindset and offering perpetual access to lifelong learning opportunities. This hub is pivotal in tackling the challenges associated with sustainable development, as it actively fosters a culture of sustainability in the Bovisa district, thereby bringing about positive change.
At the core of POLImini lies its exceptional spatial flexibility, offering many opportunities for the Bovisa Community to participate in various activities and informal learning gatherings. This hub serves as a dynamic platform for the exchange of knowledge and the promotion of sustainable lifestyles, capitalizing on the School of Design's wealth of expertise and innovative spirit.
Through its diverse services, POLImini extends its benefits to the entire community by cultivating a sustainable mindset and offering perpetual access to lifelong learning opportunities. This hub is pivotal in tackling the challenges associated with sustainable development, as it actively fosters a culture of sustainability in the Bovisa district, thereby bringing about positive change.
Key objectives for sustainability
POLIMIni's project places a strong emphasis on sustainability, with key objectives that have been exemplarily met:
Environmental Sustainability: The project minimizes its environmental impact by using sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems.
Resource Efficiency: It maximizes resource use and minimizes waste, promoting a sustainable approach to design.
Cultural Shift: The project encourages a cultural shift toward sustainable living within the community and promotes lifelong learning to tackle climate and sustainability challenges within communities with the help and good practices offered by universities.
Adaptability: The space's flexibility reduces the need for frequent renovations, conserving resources.
Exemplary Aspects:
Sustainable Materials: The use of renewable materials like plywood reflects eco-conscious choices.
Resource Maximization: Creative solutions, like removable and multifunctional exposition support with wooden cylinders, showcase efficient resource use and adaptability.
Energy Efficiency: The project incorporates energy-efficient systems to reduce consumption.
Cultural Shift: By promoting sustainability, the project sets an example for the community.
Longevity and Adaptability: The space's adaptability promotes design longevity, conserving resources.
In summary, POLIMIni's project excels in sustainability, using eco-friendly materials, efficient resource management, and community-focused cultural change to set a model for eco-conscious design and living.
Environmental Sustainability: The project minimizes its environmental impact by using sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems.
Resource Efficiency: It maximizes resource use and minimizes waste, promoting a sustainable approach to design.
Cultural Shift: The project encourages a cultural shift toward sustainable living within the community and promotes lifelong learning to tackle climate and sustainability challenges within communities with the help and good practices offered by universities.
Adaptability: The space's flexibility reduces the need for frequent renovations, conserving resources.
Exemplary Aspects:
Sustainable Materials: The use of renewable materials like plywood reflects eco-conscious choices.
Resource Maximization: Creative solutions, like removable and multifunctional exposition support with wooden cylinders, showcase efficient resource use and adaptability.
Energy Efficiency: The project incorporates energy-efficient systems to reduce consumption.
Cultural Shift: By promoting sustainability, the project sets an example for the community.
Longevity and Adaptability: The space's adaptability promotes design longevity, conserving resources.
In summary, POLIMIni's project excels in sustainability, using eco-friendly materials, efficient resource management, and community-focused cultural change to set a model for eco-conscious design and living.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
POLIMIni's project objectives focus on aesthetics and the quality of the user experience:
Diverse Services Integration: The project creates a multifunctional space that seamlessly integrates various learning and sustainability-related services to cater to a wide range of activities and user needs.
User-Centric Design: The space is designed with user comfort and needs in mind, offering flexible workstations, technology, storage facilities, and comfortable seating.
Aesthetic Appeal: The project prioritizes visual aesthetics, using bold colors, organic materials like plywood, and a dynamic color scheme to create a lively and attractive atmosphere.
Adaptability and Flexibility: The design ensures adaptability to accommodate different events and functions, thanks to modular furniture, custom social spaces, and a multifunctional ceiling.
Engagement and Collaboration: The space is crafted to encourage learner engagement and collaboration, with areas for interaction and the provision of technology for communication.
Sustainability and Functionality: Sustainable materials and innovative solutions are used to maximize space and usability while promoting sustainability.
Exemplary Aspects:
Multifunctional Design: The project's multifunctional and adaptable design sets an exemplary standard for accommodating various events without compromising on style and aesthetics.
User-Centered Approach: The user-centric approach exemplifies a dynamic and versatile space that promotes engagement and learning.
Creative Use of Materials: The use of sustainable materials and creative design solutions, such as wooden cylinders for customization, highlights innovative approaches to spatial constraints.
Aesthetic Harmony: Careful selection of colors, materials, and design elements creates a balanced and welcoming atmosphere, enhancing the quality of the user experience.
Diverse Services Integration: The project creates a multifunctional space that seamlessly integrates various learning and sustainability-related services to cater to a wide range of activities and user needs.
User-Centric Design: The space is designed with user comfort and needs in mind, offering flexible workstations, technology, storage facilities, and comfortable seating.
Aesthetic Appeal: The project prioritizes visual aesthetics, using bold colors, organic materials like plywood, and a dynamic color scheme to create a lively and attractive atmosphere.
Adaptability and Flexibility: The design ensures adaptability to accommodate different events and functions, thanks to modular furniture, custom social spaces, and a multifunctional ceiling.
Engagement and Collaboration: The space is crafted to encourage learner engagement and collaboration, with areas for interaction and the provision of technology for communication.
Sustainability and Functionality: Sustainable materials and innovative solutions are used to maximize space and usability while promoting sustainability.
Exemplary Aspects:
Multifunctional Design: The project's multifunctional and adaptable design sets an exemplary standard for accommodating various events without compromising on style and aesthetics.
User-Centered Approach: The user-centric approach exemplifies a dynamic and versatile space that promotes engagement and learning.
Creative Use of Materials: The use of sustainable materials and creative design solutions, such as wooden cylinders for customization, highlights innovative approaches to spatial constraints.
Aesthetic Harmony: Careful selection of colors, materials, and design elements creates a balanced and welcoming atmosphere, enhancing the quality of the user experience.
Key objectives for inclusion
POLImini, has several key objectives related to inclusion, accessibility, affordability, and fostering an inclusive governing system:
Accessibility for All: POLImini aims to be a learning space accessible to the entire community, regardless of age, background, or abilities. It provides a welcoming environment for people with disabilities and diverse needs, ensuring that everyone can participate in its activities and services.
Affordability: The project aims to offer affordable or free access to its services, making education and lifelong learning opportunities accessible to individuals from different socio-economic backgrounds. This affordability ensures that the benefits of the learning hub are not limited to a privileged few.
Inclusive Governing System: POLImini's design and governance structures are inclusive, involving community members, educators, and experts in decision-making processes. It prioritizes input and feedback from the local community to ensure that it meets their specific needs and preferences.
Design for All Principles: The project incorporates universal design principles, ensuring that the physical space, facilities, and services are user-friendly and accommodating to all, regardless of their physical abilities. It embraces inclusive design practices to cater to a wide range of users.
New Societal Models: POLImini serves as an example of a new societal model that promotes sustainable development, lifelong learning, and community engagement. By fostering a culture of sustainability, it encourages positive changes in the community's behavior, lifestyle, and mindset, promoting a more inclusive and environmentally conscious society.
Accessibility for All: POLImini aims to be a learning space accessible to the entire community, regardless of age, background, or abilities. It provides a welcoming environment for people with disabilities and diverse needs, ensuring that everyone can participate in its activities and services.
Affordability: The project aims to offer affordable or free access to its services, making education and lifelong learning opportunities accessible to individuals from different socio-economic backgrounds. This affordability ensures that the benefits of the learning hub are not limited to a privileged few.
Inclusive Governing System: POLImini's design and governance structures are inclusive, involving community members, educators, and experts in decision-making processes. It prioritizes input and feedback from the local community to ensure that it meets their specific needs and preferences.
Design for All Principles: The project incorporates universal design principles, ensuring that the physical space, facilities, and services are user-friendly and accommodating to all, regardless of their physical abilities. It embraces inclusive design practices to cater to a wide range of users.
New Societal Models: POLImini serves as an example of a new societal model that promotes sustainable development, lifelong learning, and community engagement. By fostering a culture of sustainability, it encourages positive changes in the community's behavior, lifestyle, and mindset, promoting a more inclusive and environmentally conscious society.
How Citizens benefit
Citizens and civil society have played a significant role in our project, primarily during the discovery and development phases. We initiated an online questionnaire to engage with our audience and project stakeholders directly. This involvement aimed to gauge their awareness and interest in climate change and sustainability, understand their primary sources of information on these topics and assess their level of education on these issues.
The direct involvement of society and citizens in the discover phase guaranteed the development of solutions, services and experiences directly related to their needs and aspirations.
The direct involvement of society and citizens in the discover phase guaranteed the development of solutions, services and experiences directly related to their needs and aspirations.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Innovative character
The innovative character of this project stands out in comparison to mainstream actions in the field. While many sustainable development initiatives tend to address isolated aspects, this thesis adopts a comprehensive approach by tackling the intricate intersection of urbanization, climate change, and education for sustainable development. Here, we highlight the key innovations:
Holistic Approach: Unlike conventional actions, this project takes a holistic perspective. It doesn't segregate sustainability challenges but comprehensively explores the interconnected issues of urbanization, climate change, and education. It acknowledges the need for a holistic approach to secure a sustainable future.
Community Engagement: This project acknowledges the significance of international agreements and community engagement in attaining sustainability. It moves beyond top-down approaches, giving prominence to the active participation of local communities.
Digital and Lifelong Learning: The study emphasizes the pivotal role of digital and lifelong learning in advancing sustainable development. This novel focus on innovative learning methods distinguishes it from traditional educational practices.
Learning Hub Model: The proposal for a learning hub in Milan's Bovisa neighbourhood, in collaboration with Politecnico di Milano, is pioneering. It is a model showcasing how universities can collaborate with local communities to establish sustainable learning environments that promote cultural integration and inclusivity.
Local-Global Connection: By introducing a model bridging the gap between a university and its neighboring community, this project embodies an inclusive and integrated approach to education and sustainable development. It exemplifies how universities can act as catalysts for positive change at the local level.
Holistic Approach: Unlike conventional actions, this project takes a holistic perspective. It doesn't segregate sustainability challenges but comprehensively explores the interconnected issues of urbanization, climate change, and education. It acknowledges the need for a holistic approach to secure a sustainable future.
Community Engagement: This project acknowledges the significance of international agreements and community engagement in attaining sustainability. It moves beyond top-down approaches, giving prominence to the active participation of local communities.
Digital and Lifelong Learning: The study emphasizes the pivotal role of digital and lifelong learning in advancing sustainable development. This novel focus on innovative learning methods distinguishes it from traditional educational practices.
Learning Hub Model: The proposal for a learning hub in Milan's Bovisa neighbourhood, in collaboration with Politecnico di Milano, is pioneering. It is a model showcasing how universities can collaborate with local communities to establish sustainable learning environments that promote cultural integration and inclusivity.
Local-Global Connection: By introducing a model bridging the gap between a university and its neighboring community, this project embodies an inclusive and integrated approach to education and sustainable development. It exemplifies how universities can act as catalysts for positive change at the local level.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
This project is a component of a thesis dissertation and involved experts from diverse backgrounds and global universities. The project and its related dissertation encompassed various fields, including Climate Science and Sustainability, Education and Pedagogy, Urban Planning, Interior Design, and Architecture. These disciplines and subject matter experts (SMEs) collaborated in a multidisciplinary approach guided by the author.
This cooperative and co-creative effort allowed the project to recognize the interconnections between climate change, urbanization, sustainable development, and education. The collaboration between these fields promoted a holistic perspective on the complex challenges of the 21st century, fostering innovative solutions by drawing on diverse expertise, including scientific knowledge, educational strategies, and urban design principles.
This cooperative and co-creative effort allowed the project to recognize the interconnections between climate change, urbanization, sustainable development, and education. The collaboration between these fields promoted a holistic perspective on the complex challenges of the 21st century, fostering innovative solutions by drawing on diverse expertise, including scientific knowledge, educational strategies, and urban design principles.
Methodology used
The project's approach is rooted in design thinking and stakeholder collaboration, with key points:
Global Challenges: Addressing urbanization, climate change, and the role of international cooperation and education.
"Permacrisis": Recognizing prolonged instability from catastrophic events, highlighting multifaceted challenges.
Sustainable Development: Exploring its origins, integration into educational agendas, and universities' changing roles.
Motivations: Driven by academic exposure to climate-related teachings and a deep interest in education's impact.
Comprehensive Analysis: Examining how leading universities adapt to address climate change, offering new insights.
Thematic Exploration: Analyzing the intersection of urbanization, climate change, and sustainable development.
University Roles: Focusing on universities' evolving roles, models, and their contributions to sustainable development.
Community Engagement: Highlighting how universities collaborate with local communities for positive change.
Data-Driven Insights: Drawing conclusions from questionnaire analysis on climate change, sustainability, and education.
Learning Hub Proposal: Designing a model for universities and communities to create sustainable learning environments.
In summary, our project explores challenges and the role of education, international agreements, and community engagement in shaping a sustainable future, fostering inclusive spaces for cultural integration within the campus.
Global Challenges: Addressing urbanization, climate change, and the role of international cooperation and education.
"Permacrisis": Recognizing prolonged instability from catastrophic events, highlighting multifaceted challenges.
Sustainable Development: Exploring its origins, integration into educational agendas, and universities' changing roles.
Motivations: Driven by academic exposure to climate-related teachings and a deep interest in education's impact.
Comprehensive Analysis: Examining how leading universities adapt to address climate change, offering new insights.
Thematic Exploration: Analyzing the intersection of urbanization, climate change, and sustainable development.
University Roles: Focusing on universities' evolving roles, models, and their contributions to sustainable development.
Community Engagement: Highlighting how universities collaborate with local communities for positive change.
Data-Driven Insights: Drawing conclusions from questionnaire analysis on climate change, sustainability, and education.
Learning Hub Proposal: Designing a model for universities and communities to create sustainable learning environments.
In summary, our project explores challenges and the role of education, international agreements, and community engagement in shaping a sustainable future, fostering inclusive spaces for cultural integration within the campus.
How stakeholders are engaged
Stakeholders at various levels, from local to international, played pivotal roles in shaping the project's design. Their participation during the discovery phase enriched the project in terms of diversity, inclusion, and the breadth of services and activities incorporated into the concept. These stakeholders provided valuable insights and feedback through a questionnaire, significantly influencing the project's development.
Local Stakeholders: Local community members in Milan, as well as residents from specific neighborhoods, wielded substantial influence over the project's direction and inclusivity.
European Stakeholders: Engagement with both European citizens and those outside the EU allowed for a comprehensive understanding of diverse perspectives, not only within Europe but also from regions like Shanghai and Dubai, broadening the project's global perspective.
Added Value:
Survey data revealed critical insights into stakeholder engagement. The age diversity of respondents, aged 18 to 64, encompassed various perspectives and experiences, contributing to the project's inclusivity.
The substantial representation of respondents from Milan, Turin, and Padua underscores the project's effective engagement with local stakeholders, ensuring that it addresses real needs and rational social concerns.
In summary, the project's engagement with stakeholders at various levels, coupled with the demographic insights from the survey, underscores its inclusivity and relevance. This diverse involvement is instrumental in enhancing the project's success by incorporating various perspectives, ensuring local relevance, and aligning with national and European goals.
Local Stakeholders: Local community members in Milan, as well as residents from specific neighborhoods, wielded substantial influence over the project's direction and inclusivity.
European Stakeholders: Engagement with both European citizens and those outside the EU allowed for a comprehensive understanding of diverse perspectives, not only within Europe but also from regions like Shanghai and Dubai, broadening the project's global perspective.
Added Value:
Survey data revealed critical insights into stakeholder engagement. The age diversity of respondents, aged 18 to 64, encompassed various perspectives and experiences, contributing to the project's inclusivity.
The substantial representation of respondents from Milan, Turin, and Padua underscores the project's effective engagement with local stakeholders, ensuring that it addresses real needs and rational social concerns.
In summary, the project's engagement with stakeholders at various levels, coupled with the demographic insights from the survey, underscores its inclusivity and relevance. This diverse involvement is instrumental in enhancing the project's success by incorporating various perspectives, ensuring local relevance, and aligning with national and European goals.
Global challenges
The project focuses on the critical global challenges of sustainable development, urbanization, climate change, and education for sustainable development (ESD).
Sustainable Development and ESD: The project recognizes that universities can advance sustainable development by integrating ESD into curricula. By providing knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes necessary for sustainability, universities help students understand and address complex issues related to sustainable development. This approach empowers individuals and communities to take action and contribute to a more sustainable world.
Addressing Urbanization and Climate Change: The project emphasizes that sustainable development is essential in addressing these challenges. It advocates for education for sustainable development (ESD) to equip individuals and communities with the skills and knowledge to tackle urbanization-related issues and mitigate climate change.
Universities as Catalysts: The project acknowledges that universities are well-positioned to drive ESD initiatives. They have the resources, expertise, and community connections to deliver ESD programs and research. By encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, universities can empower individuals to take action and contribute to sustainable cities, promote sustainable consumption and production, and protect the environment.
Local Solutions with Global Impact: While the project focuses on local educational solutions within universities, it recognizes their potential for global impact. By educating and engaging students and communities in sustainable development practices, universities can contribute to international efforts to address urbanization, climate change, and other pressing challenges.
In conclusion, the project's core focus on education for sustainable development within the university setting highlights the potential for addressing complex global challenges locally.
Sustainable Development and ESD: The project recognizes that universities can advance sustainable development by integrating ESD into curricula. By providing knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes necessary for sustainability, universities help students understand and address complex issues related to sustainable development. This approach empowers individuals and communities to take action and contribute to a more sustainable world.
Addressing Urbanization and Climate Change: The project emphasizes that sustainable development is essential in addressing these challenges. It advocates for education for sustainable development (ESD) to equip individuals and communities with the skills and knowledge to tackle urbanization-related issues and mitigate climate change.
Universities as Catalysts: The project acknowledges that universities are well-positioned to drive ESD initiatives. They have the resources, expertise, and community connections to deliver ESD programs and research. By encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, universities can empower individuals to take action and contribute to sustainable cities, promote sustainable consumption and production, and protect the environment.
Local Solutions with Global Impact: While the project focuses on local educational solutions within universities, it recognizes their potential for global impact. By educating and engaging students and communities in sustainable development practices, universities can contribute to international efforts to address urbanization, climate change, and other pressing challenges.
In conclusion, the project's core focus on education for sustainable development within the university setting highlights the potential for addressing complex global challenges locally.
Learning transferred to other parties
Being a modular and buildable concept, various elements of the project can be replicated or transferred to other places and groups of beneficiaries:
Multifunctional Environment Design: Creating a multifunctional environment that can adapt to various activities is a critical element that can be replicated. This approach allows a space to be versatile and responsive to the needs of different communities, making it suitable for a wide range of educational, social, and cultural purposes.
Flexible Space Transformation: The strategy of designing a space that can be transformed to accommodate different uses is transferable. It allows for efficient space utilization and ensures that the facility remains relevant and valuable to the community, even as their needs evolve.
Physical Layout and Infrastructure: The thoughtful consideration of the physical layout and infrastructure of the learning hub is a replicable aspect. By optimizing the layout and infrastructure for adaptability and functionality, similar projects can be designed to be equally effective and user-friendly.
Use of Sustainable Materials: The emphasis on using sustainable and local materials aligns with a broader sustainability mission and is an element that can be easily replicated. It not only contributes to environmental conservation but also showcases a commitment to responsible practices that can inspire other projects to do the same.
Promotion of Collaboration and Action: The goal of inspiring collaboration and action toward a more sustainable future is a universal objective that can be applied in various contexts. Encouraging active participation and engagement within the community can be emulated by other universities seeking positive social and environmental change.
In summary, the project provides a blueprint that can be transferred to other places, groups of beneficiaries, and contexts, ensuring the replication of successful and impactful learning hubs.
Multifunctional Environment Design: Creating a multifunctional environment that can adapt to various activities is a critical element that can be replicated. This approach allows a space to be versatile and responsive to the needs of different communities, making it suitable for a wide range of educational, social, and cultural purposes.
Flexible Space Transformation: The strategy of designing a space that can be transformed to accommodate different uses is transferable. It allows for efficient space utilization and ensures that the facility remains relevant and valuable to the community, even as their needs evolve.
Physical Layout and Infrastructure: The thoughtful consideration of the physical layout and infrastructure of the learning hub is a replicable aspect. By optimizing the layout and infrastructure for adaptability and functionality, similar projects can be designed to be equally effective and user-friendly.
Use of Sustainable Materials: The emphasis on using sustainable and local materials aligns with a broader sustainability mission and is an element that can be easily replicated. It not only contributes to environmental conservation but also showcases a commitment to responsible practices that can inspire other projects to do the same.
Promotion of Collaboration and Action: The goal of inspiring collaboration and action toward a more sustainable future is a universal objective that can be applied in various contexts. Encouraging active participation and engagement within the community can be emulated by other universities seeking positive social and environmental change.
In summary, the project provides a blueprint that can be transferred to other places, groups of beneficiaries, and contexts, ensuring the replication of successful and impactful learning hubs.
Keywords
Lifelong Learning
Social transformation
Education
Community Engegement
Local Communities
