Designing with the neighborhood: an experience of participatory design and social communication

In urban regeneration processes, inclusive and active participation dynamics of the inhabitants become fundamental to design a real transformation process both on an architectural and social level. The citizens and their involvement become both essential elements for achieving shared solutions, especially in those areas where the social and economic issues are added to urban degradation. “I numeri di Via Ghedini e Via Gallina” is an example of interdisciplinary project, aiming at an architectural upgrading of some of the public housing located in the city of Torino (Turin). Among the project activities planned, the working group ended up developing the graphic identity of the street numbers, currently missing or not so readable. The design action focused on giving a concrete form to the information design system that deeply represents the identity of the neighbourhood. An action which sets up the process of returning of the common areas to the inhabitants and emphasizes the gradual return to everyday life in the neighbourhood, after restoration works. The interaction between the numerous institutional and not institutional actors involved in the project, transformed this part of city in a true interdisciplinary laboratory capable of promoting new social and territorial balance.