Reimagining Vigne Nuove: one year of We-Z in action

The first major milestone came on 5^th April, with the Kick-Off Meeting held at Casali di Faonte, the future site of the Memory Hub. This event marked the operational start of the project, bringing together all partners to align on goals, methodologies, and shared responsibilities. The meeting was not only symbolic but strategic: it activated the space as a collaborative hub and laid the groundwork for the Healing Community, a central point to We-Z’s mission.


Mapping memory and emotion: the core deliverables

From the outset, We-Z focused on four crucial deliverables: Exploring Vigne Nuove, Mapping Hidden Vigne Nuove, Setting the Digital Memory Archive and Developing the Emotional Assessment Framework. These components were designed to work together, each contributing to a deeper understanding of the neighbourhood’s physical, social, and emotional landscape.

Exploring Vigne Nuove involved four urban explorations scheduled throughout the year (March, June, September and December 2024). These walks engaged residents and stakeholders in discovering symbolic places and collecting lesser-known stories through video-recorded interviews. The target was 35 interviews, each contributing to a growing oral history archive.

Mapping hidden Vigne Nuove aimed to document informal and “illegal” uses of space, particularly on the pedestrian ground floors. This mapping was instrumental in identifying areas for potential transformation and reconciliation between residents and institutions. The data collected converged into the Digital Memory Archive, which combined traditional and multi-layered digital maps.

The Emotional Assessment Framework and Digital Memory Archive were built using repeated video interviews, applying methodologies such as Most Significant Change (MSC) and Oral History Methodology (OHM). These tools allowed the project to track emotional shifts over time and preserve personal narratives that reflect the evolving identity of Vigne Nuove.


Progressive Park and expert insights
On 30^th June, the Progressive Park Project was presented, offering a vision for a new green space in the neighbourhood. This initiative complemented the broader goals of We-Z by addressing environmental wellbeing and public space accessibility.

In early July, the project welcomed the EUI expert Pietro Verga, whose visit provided valuable insights into the theoretical and practical dimensions of urban transformation. His feedback helped refine the project’s frameworks and reinforced its alignment with European best practices.

Measuring what matters: BES indicators and Emotional Framework

31^st August marked the formal definition of the BES (Benessere Equo e Sostenibile: fair and sustainable wellbeing) indicator framework, which provided a structured way to assess the social and emotional impact of the project. Alongside this, the Emotional Assessment Framework was presented, offering a robust methodology for tracking changes in community sentiment and individual wellbeing.

These tools were essential for ensuring that We-Z remained accountable, adaptive, and responsive to the needs of the community.

The heart of the project: Living Lab inauguration

On 15^th September, the Living Lab of Vigne Nuove was officially inaugurated. Once an abandoned space, the Lab has been transformed into a vibrant centre for dialogue, research, and participation. Located in via Giovanni Conti 150, it quickly became the beating heart of the We-Z project.

Over the following months, the Living Lab hosted a wide array of activities:

• Community mapping and urban exploration
• Workshops, seminars, and creative labs
• Botanical walks and green care consultations
• Public events, performances, and seasonal celebrations

The Lab serves as an informal bridge between citizens, institutions, and project partners. It is a space for listening, learning, and co-designing the future of Vigne Nuove.

This initiative is not merely about reclaiming physical spaces; it is about establishing a permanent institutional presence that directly engages with residents, fostering mutual trust and laying the foundation for a Healing Community where collective wellbeing and mutual support are prioritised.

Rediscovering the neighbourhood: Urban Explorations

Urban Explorations are a relational practice aimed at reintroducing the neighbourhood to its residents. These walks were not just about geography, they were about memory, identity, and agency. Participants were invited to reflect on their surroundings and imagine new possibilities for their community.

The final exploration of the year took place on 21^st December, coinciding with a festive ceramic workshop at the Living Lab. Families gathered to create holiday-themed art, share traditional recipes, and enjoy games and performances. It was a moment of joy and creativity, reinforcing the Lab’s role as a space for integration and connection.

On 22^nd January 2025, the fourth urban exploration focused on the intersection of housing and health. Traversing the neighbourhoods of Vigne Nuove and Tufello, participants explored the ERP housing complex and discussed the social determinants of health. This exploration aimed to break down physical and social isolation, fostering new connections and envisioning a more inclusive future. It was a powerful reminder that the right to housing is deeply intertwined with the right to wellbeing.

Greening the community: February Initiatives

February 2025 was dedicated to environmental awareness and green care. A series of events at the Living Lab invited residents to explore the hidden vegetation of their neighbourhood, learn plant care techniques, and participate in a botanical census.

They included:

• The Green Help Desk: practical advice for plant care
• Botanical Walks: guided tours to identify local flora
• Territorial Orientation: a treasure hunt to rediscover Vigne Nuove

These activities not only promoted ecological literacy but also strengthened the bond between residents and their environment.

Building the Healing Community

One of the core objectives of the project was the creation of a Healing Community, a network of individuals and groups committed to mutual support, collective wellbeing, and participatory transformation. The kick-off meeting emphasized inclusive communication strategies and the importance of engaging residents not just as beneficiaries, but as co-creators.

This ethos was reflected in every activity, from urban explorations to workshops and public events. The Healing Community was conceived not as a fixed structure, but as a dynamic and evolving network, shaped by shared experiences and aspirations.

On 28^th February 2025, the Healing Community was formally recognized, marking a significant milestone in the project’s evolution. This collective now included a diverse array of participants: residents, researchers, artists, and institutional representatives, united by a shared commitment to transformation and care.

The Healing Community wants to be a model for participatory governance, demonstrating how informal networks can drive meaningful change.

Sharing the vision: Transfer Partners Visit

The first Open Site Transfer Partners Visit took place on 21^st and 22^nd March 2025. Delegations from Marseille, Lisbon, and Râmnicu Vâlcea joined We-Z partners for two days of exchange and reflection.

The discussions focused on the urban regeneration of Vigne Nuove, which was presented as a replicable model for other European cities. The visit underscored the importance of informal bridges between citizens and institutions and reaffirmed the value of participatory urbanism.

Looking ahead

As We-Z completes its first year, the results are meaningful. Through activities like mapping local memories, rebuilding trust, reclaiming public spaces, and encouraging emotional connection, the project has established a solid base for future development.

The Living Lab demonstrates that institutions and communities can work together to support local participation in shaping future development.

The Healing Community introduces a practical model for urban engagement, built on care, collaboration, and creativity.

Although the We-Z initiative is still ongoing, its first year has highlighted that meaningful change is complex, requires long-term commitment, and depends on active cooperation between stakeholders. Most importantly, it has confirmed that such change is achievable. By bringing together practices of listening and collaboration, the project has laid the groundwork for future progress.