Cenni di cambiamento
Main objectives of the project
Cenni di Cambiamento stands as a notable social housing development in Milan, distinguished as Europe's larges residential architecture project featuring a self-supporting wooden structure. This innovative housing complex embodies a vibrant community ethos, incorporating self-management initiatives, a variety of housing unit types, and pioneering energy-efficient buildings.
Date
- 2017: Ganador
- 2013: Construction
- 2009: En proceso
Stakeholders
- Architect: Studio Rossi Prodi
- Promotor: Fundazione Housing Sociale
- Redo
Location
Country/Region: Italy, Milan
Description
In 2009, the FIL1 Fund secured three areas owned by the municipality of Milan for the development of experimental residential buildings for rent, including the site on via Cenni. This international competition aimed to explore architectural excellence, rethink residential construction forms, and introduce innovation and social elements. Among over 140 submissions, Studio Rossi Prodi Associati's project was selected by the jury. The construction was made in 2013.
The Cenni di Cambiamento complex, featuring four 9-storey towers, represents one of Europe's pioneering residential projects constructed with wooden load-bearing structures. Recognized for its energy efficiency, the groundbreaking structure received the Legambiente award in January 2014 for its environmentally friendly innovation. Additionally, it was honored at the Gyproc Italia Trophy in Saint Gobain in 2014 and nominated for the Mies Van der Rohe Award in 2015. Despite the extensive use of wood, the visible finishes both internally and externally resemble those of conventional buildings, owing to the advantages of the X-Lam construction technology.
Central to Cenni di Cambiamento is the active involvement of residents in organizing neighborhood activities and managing communal spaces. The Fondazione Housing Sociale spearheaded the community engagement process, culminating in the establishment of the Officina Gabetti 15 (OG15) association in 2015. This association aims to foster various activities and community gatherings, including solidarity purchasing groups, creative workshops, sports, recreational, educational, and cultural events for members and the wider community.
Located on the ground floor, Cenni di Cambiamento hosts a plethora of amenities, including a cafeteria, physiopilates center, diner, art therapy space, multifunctional areas for art, music, and theater, a neuropsychiatry clinic, a socio-educational center for individuals with disabilities, a day center for minors in challenging situations, a playroom, a music school, and a coworking space. Moreover, it facilitates neighborhood trading activities to support small entrepreneurs, artisans, and traders, fostering collaborative business development in a quality and affordable space.
A significant portion of cultural activities also takes place at Cascina Torrette di Trenno (via Giuseppe Gabetti 15), an old building integrated within the complex. Acting as an urban cultural hub, it hosts various events and activities such as concerts, cinema screenings, festivals, and children's programs throughout the year.
Furthermore, Cenni di Cambiamento offers a diverse range of housing typologies, including foyers managed by a cooperative. This residence model, widespread at an international and European level, provides young people with temporary shared housing solutions at sustainable costs. The foyer project, developed by the Social Housing Foundation and managed by DAR=casa, accommodates 27 young individuals aged 18 to 30, offering not just cohabitation but also guidance towards personal and professional autonomy through orientation services and training opportunities.
Cenni di Cambiamento is a project promoted by the Lombardy Real Estate Fund managed by Redo, a benefit company dedicated to creating quality and economically sustainable living spaces. Guided by principles of social responsibility, environmental sustainability, inclusion, and functionality, Redo's interventions range from affordable housing projects to urban regeneration initiatives. The Social Housing Foundation serves as the social technical advisor, overseeing the structuring phase and collaborative placemaking of the project.
To be a tenant, income requirements are established, following the rules for social housing in Milan. Moreover, one has to be resident in the city or its surroundings.