Distretto Sociale Barolo in Turin: Permanence and Transformation of a Complex for Health and Social Inclusion

The complex of buildings known as the Distretto Sociale Barolo is today a significant presence in the urban context of Turin, which bears witness to the actions undertaken by welfare associations during the 19th century. Born in 1823 at the behest of the marquise Giulia di Barolo, it assumed an important role in the city in promoting social inclusion through initiatives aimed at the care of the sick, education and employment. Within the complex, health care was provided in the structure called Ospedaletto di Santa Filomena. Inaugurated in 1845 and intended to help girls from poorer classes, today the building is entrusted to the association Camminare Insieme, run by volunteer doctors who offer free help and protect the health and well-being of the weaker sections of the population. Starting with a study of the documentary sources kept in the Opera Barolo archives, this paper illustrates the first results of research aimed at investigating the permanence and transformation of the asset in its tangible and intangible components. The consistency of the complex is still legible even though it has been adapted to the needs of contemporary society. In this direction, the involvement of third sector organizations has represented an opportunity to conserve and renew this architectural heritage while keeping alive its original charitable purpose.