The project for the new village in Besso was born amid growing pressure on the housing market. What is its main purpose?
The goal is to offer a concrete solution to a segment of the population currently struggling to find adequate housing: self-sufficient elderly people with limited resources. It's not just about building affordable housing, but about creating conditions that allow these people to remain in their own living environment, maintaining relationships and routines. The project fits into a clear demographic trend, with a progressive increase in the elderly population and a housing system that isn't always able to meet their needs.
The village offers 80 moderately rented apartments and 20 market-rate units. What's the rationale behind this choice?
The inclusion of a portion of market-rate apartments reflects a specific vision: to avoid the creation of single-generational or socially homogeneous neighborhoods. The idea is to foster a mixed-use housing fabric, where different generations and economic situations coexist. This approach helps reduce the risk of isolation and strengthen neighborly relationships. It's a model that considers social cohesion as a structural element of the project.
In addition to the accommodations, the project includes numerous services and common areas. What role will they play?
They are an integral part of the concept. The village is designed as a residential ecosystem, not just a simple residential complex. The presence of a central square, green spaces, personal services, commercial activities, and a nursery school has a specific purpose: to facilitate daily life and encourage social interaction. Accessibility is not only economic, but also functional. Reducing the distance between home, services, and social life means a tangible improvement in the quality of life.
The project will be built on the former Righetti Combustibili site. What impact will it have on the Besso neighborhood?
The project also represents an urban redevelopment project. It aims to restore value to a currently partially unused area, improving its usability and safety. Moving the buildings along Via Besso, for example, will allow for the creation of wider, tree-lined sidewalks, with obvious benefits for pedestrian mobility. Furthermore, the integration of the historic Veladini building and the creation of a new square will contribute to strengthening the neighborhood's identity.
The project is promoted by the Borgo Sergio Mantegazza Foundation. What is the Foundation's role and what vision guides it?
The Borgo Sergio Mantegazza Foundation was founded with the specific goal of realizing this project and, more generally, promoting initiatives of public benefit. It is inspired by the vision of Sergio Mantegazza, who wanted to make a tangible contribution to his hometown. The Foundation works in dialogue with the local community and institutions, adopting a pragmatic approach: identifying real needs and developing sustainable solutions over time.
Looking beyond the single intervention, is this model replicable?
The project, developed by EROP Real Estate, stems from specific circumstances, but the model's principles are certainly replicable: integration of housing and services, a social mix, and a focus on economic sustainability. The challenge will be adapting it to different contexts, maintaining a balance between design quality and accessibility. At a time when housing is increasingly central, initiatives like this can serve as a benchmark for broader policies.
