The practice of AA SED tutor Pierluigi Turco, and AA alumni Andrea Rossi and Giovanna Sanna, known as A-FACT, is the winner of an international competition to design a sustainable district to redefine the concept of social housing in Bologna. The project proposes to enhance natural assets, foster sustainable mobility and provide a new concept of urban courtyards to revitalise the eco district in Bertalia-Lazzaretto. The project is conceived from a multi-scalar approach that enhances the north-south landscape axis defined by the Ghisiliera Canal, by transforming it into a greenway for pedestrians and cyclists. This green infrastructure connects the Pescarola neighbourhood to the north, the new residential area to the west of the University of Bologna, and, by bike, the city centre, within a 15-minute walk. This green infrastructure serves as a central axis that runs through the city, connecting existing and new urban spaces, promoting sustainable mobility, and integrating the district into the urban fabric.

The winning team includes ATI Project, a-fact architecture factory (Parallel Collective), Weber Architects and Parcnouveau. The group has proposed to use the project as an opportunity to not only address the city's housing needs, but also serve as a support system towards an eco-sustainable, connected and resilient community.

Image: View from above of the new ecodistrict. Credit: A-FACT.