The ECHOES-Nosedo and IN BIBLIO con CHIARA projects, co-proposed by lecturers and researchers from the Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering – Politecnico di Milano, have been recognized as winners of the Polisocial Award. This initiative, funded through the 5 per mille IRPEF (a portion of the Italian income tax designated for social purposes), supports scientific research with a significant social impact at the Politecnico di Milano.
The theme of the 2024 Polisocial Award, “Proximity Innovation,” aligns closely with the OFF CAMPUS programme, promoted by the Politecnico di Milano to foster innovation processes within the local community of Milan. This approach emphasizes localized change, prioritizing co-research and co-design initiatives while fostering long-term partnerships between universities, local stakeholders, and communities.
The ECHOES-Nosedo project focuses on revitalizing the ancient agricultural practice of “marcite” (water meadows) to enhance environmental and socio-cultural resilience. At the heart of the project is the ECHOES Lab, a participatory field laboratory located at Cascina Nosedo. The lab aims to create a dialogue between the local community and the environment, applying conservation and restoration techniques to small hydraulic structures, and developing a marked itinerary from Nosedo to Chiaravalle to showcase the historical and ecological importance of “marcite”. Additionally, the project involves co-creating educational pathways designed to promote awareness and care for the local landscape. This initiative involves Prof. Lorenzo Mari and Prof. Paco Melià from the Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering with the collaboration of experts from the Departments of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Architecture, Built Environment, and Construction Engineering, and Mathematics.
The IN BIBLIO con CHIARA project addresses the social and educational challenges faced by the multicultural San Siro district in Milan. It aims to create inclusive and multisensory library spaces where reading and storytelling become tools for personal growth and community building, especially for vulnerable children. These libraries are designed with sustainability, accessibility, and flexibility in mind, incorporating innovative design, technology, and narrative tools to overcome linguistic and socio-cultural barriers. The project aspires to make reading a universally accessible and enriching experience. It involves Prof. Alessandro Colombo, researcher Mattia Gianotti, and Ph.D. student Matteo Secco from the Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering with contributions from the Departments of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Architecture and Urban Studies, and Design.