Proximity and innovation

The seven research projects selected for the 2024 Polisocial Award have officially begun. Funded through the 5 per mille IRPEF program, this initiative supports high-impact social research at Politecnico di Milano.
This year’s edition, continuing the theme of “Proximity Innovation,” is closely linked to the university’s Off Campus program. The goal is to promote innovation and social responsibility in Milan by taking the university beyond its campuses and connecting directly with marginalized areas of the city.

As part of this effort, the Department of Design is leading the SOSpesa+ project, which focuses on creating an innovative model for Municipal Markets. The Department is also actively involved in the projects ART-Link, IN BIBLIO with CHIARA, and PROXIMO.

Projects involving the Department of Design

SOSpesa+

Off Campus Nolo

Municipality 2 (Milan)

Scientific coordinator: Davide Fassi - DESIGN

Project manager: Valentina Dessì - DASTU

Marta Corubolo - DESIGN

Francesco Vergani - DESIGN

The SOSpesa experience has made it possible to test a cycle for the collection, redistribution and processing of both food surpluses and fresh food bought at reduced prices. SOSpesa+ strengthens the results by proposing an innovative model of an urban market where the food chain and the activation of citizens are at the centre of the services offered. The vision extends to a broader rethinking of the functions of urban markets as nodes in urban food chains. SOSpesa+ also proposes a new model of volunteering, food education initiatives and a neighbourhood composting.

ART-Link

Off Campus San Vittore

Casa circondariale di Milano San Vittore (Milan)

Scientific coordinator: Andrea Di Franco – DASTU

Project manager: Francesca Piredda – DESIGN

Marianna Frangipane - DASTU

Gianfranco Orsenigo - DASTU

Mariana Ciancia - DESIGN

Chiara Ligi - DESIGN

Maria Maramotti – DESIGN

Art is already used in a number of active treatment activities in San Vittore prison. What is lacking, however, is the space to practise it and the possibility to narrate and share the results with the internal and external community. ART-Link wants to make the artistic space already activated with the ReverseLab pilot experience a space that is practised on an ongoing basis, actively involving those already working in the prison. It also wants to create the conditions for San Vittore to be recognised as a place for the production and enjoyment of contemporary art, in collaboration with recognised subjects in the art sector.

IN BIBLIO con CHIARA

Off Campus San Siro

San Siro District (Milan)

Scientific coordinator: Lorenza Petrini – DICA

Project manager: Lola Ottolini – DASTU

Sara Donzelli - DICA

Simone Baccaglini - DASTU

Giulia Gerosa - DESIGN

Alessandro Colombo - DEIB

Mattia Gianotti - DEIB

Matteo Secco - DEIB

The San Siro district is characterised by a strong multiculturalism, but also by shortcomings, such as a lack of meeting places, especially for young people, and obstacles in socio-educational processes. The project aims to create inclusive and multisensory libraries, as spaces of proximity, where reading and storytelling become experiences of growth and aggregation for vulnerable minors. The new offer is designed with sustainability, accessibility and flexibility in mind, thanks to specific design, technological and narrative tools. The aim is to break down linguistic and socio-cultural barriers and make reading an experience accessible to all.

PROXIMO

Off Campus San Siro

Municipality 7 (Milan)

Referente scientifico: Cristina Masella – DIG

Project manager: Isabel Farina – DIG

Daniela Sangiorgi - DESIGN

Giuliana Costa – DASTU

PROXIMO aims to reflect on the difficulties faced by service providers in engaging NEETs, young people who are not in education, employment or training. The project aims to support associations and institutions in developing effective strategies to overcome the barriers to engagement. The project is divided into several phases, including the study of existing initiatives and good practices, the activation of a Youth Advisory Group, the accompaniment of partners in the co-design and experimentation of engagement methodologies, and the development of protocols to support the development of integrated services for young people.