Social economies, civic blockchain and urban gardening in Turin
The project supports the student community and citizens in managing the collective garden Orto della SME of the School of Management and Economics, UniTo, created with the support of the New European Bauhaus – EIT Food according to the principles of inclusiveness and sustainability (eg. furnishings made with circular material and suitable for the elderly, the disabled and children). Participation in the activities (cultivation, maintenance, events) will be symbolically remunerated with “tokens” managed by the CommonsHood blockchain app developed by the Department of Computer Science, which can be used in shops and local associations, to support local economic cycles and the urban social economy.
The project adopts and adapts the successful model of local currencies for the recreation of local social and solidarity economies and the care of green spaces accessible to citizens (e.g. the Belgian Torekes project). It provides for the territorial extension of at least 150 square meters of the Orto della SME in the area behind the School of Management (already approved by the referring Departments), on the border between the abandoned municipal spaces “ex-Combi” and the managed areas “OASI”, through collective management processes with the student associations of the University (e.g. Obiettivo Studenti and AIESEC) and the schools of the area (e.g. Asilo Nido il Micino). To enhance the work of the participants and increase membership, the easy-to-use CommonsHood blockchain app will be used, issuing local currency in the form of “tokens” that can be spent in the purchase of goods and services in the neighborhood, thanks to agreements with merchants, cultural associations and sports, district services. The products from the garden will be donated to charities in collaboration with the Mandala Association.
The project is granted by the CRT Foundation to DIGGEO@ESOMAS and is run by the Department of Economics, Social Studies, Applied Mathematics and Statistics (Prof. Chiara Certomà) with the Department of Management (Prof. Laura Corazza) and the Department of Computer Science (Prof. Guido Boella) of the University of Turin.
Project Field Diary
09 September 2024 – Team-Building Day with University Administrative Staff at the SME Garden
On September 9th, the administrative staff from different University of Turin offices gathered at the SME Garden for a team-building event aimed at strengthening relationships and fostering collaboration. The day was filled with practical activities that encouraged teamwork and creativity.
The participants were divided into three groups. One group made seed bombs, small balls of soil and seeds, which they could take home and plant on their balconies. Another group crafted bundles of 15 different aromatic herbs, while the third group was tasked with collecting the herbs from the garden. At the end of the activities, the groups exchanged the gifts they had created, sharing the fruits of their efforts.
Afterward, everyone enjoyed a brief refreshment before taking a guided tour of the garden, including a visit to the “Prato del Benessere” (Associazione Mandala) a tranquil area designed to promote relaxation and well-being.
The event provided a unique opportunity for staff members to connect in a relaxed setting, learn new skills, and strengthen their working relationships.
28 may 2024 – Workshop “A Day at the University”
The middle school students from the Sandro Pertini Institute visited the spaces of the Sme Garden as part of the “A Day at the University” initiative, which is part of the third mission activities promoted by the Esomas Department of the University of Turin.
Day’s program:
10.00 – 10:30 – Arrival and Welcome
Arrival at the urban garden. Welcome by the organizers and a brief introduction to the day.
- Presentation of the spaces of the School of Economics and Management of the University of Turin.
- Presentation of the urban garden.
10:30 – 11.00 – Guided Tour
Guided tour of the SME Garden, the Well-being Meadow (Mandala Association), and the municipal urban gardens.
- Illustration of the different areas of the garden and the cultivated plants.
- Explanation of the cultivation techniques used and the environmental and social benefits.
- Introduction to the concepts of synergistic agriculture.
- Sensory path at the Well-being Meadow.
11.00 – 11:10 – Snack
11:10 – 11:45 – Practical Workshop
Planting workshop.
- Students learn to plant seeds or seedlings in small pots or directly in garden spaces.
- Practical explanation of the care needed for plants (watering, fertilization, etc.).
11:45 – 12:00 – Final Discussion
- Encouragement to reflect on what they have learned during the day.
27 may 2024 – Ultimate Garden Party Living Corridor
We are excited to invite you to the Ultimate Garden Party, a special event that will take place on May 27, 2024, in the SME Garden. This celebration is a unique opportunity to explore various aspects of sustainable living through a rich program of activities.
Here are the program details:
- 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Urban Stitch – A practical workshop on cross-stitch techniques for decorating metal fences.
- 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: UNITA will guide us in rediscovering sustainability – An informative session on how we can incorporate sustainable practices into our daily lives.
- 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Walk for the new photography exhibit – A guided tour of our latest exhibition dedicated to nature and the environment.
- 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM: DJ Set with aperitivo – We will conclude the day with a musical aperitif curated by DJ Giacomo Bagna, perfect for socializing and relaxing.
This event is open to everyone, so feel free to invite friends, family, and colleagues who might be interested.
To participate, please fill out the following Google Form to register your attendance:
https://forms.gle/rrFrAJkUTpphxWNv8
16 may 2024 – 2nd Workshop on Regenerative Agricolture
On Thursday 16 May, the second part of the workshop on regenerative agriculture held by Prof. Massimo Pugliese of the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Turin will be held at the SME Garden. During the meeting, some of the theoretical concepts explored during the first workshop held in late February and early March will be put into practice. The workshop is open to all!
19 April 2024 – Bloom Fest
The School of Management and Economics (SME) of Turin, in collaboration with the City of Turin, is pleased to announce the inaugural celebration of the Living Corridor project, funded by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology in the food sector (EIT Food). The event will take place on April 19th at the SME Garden (entrance from Corso Unione Sovietica 220), starting at 10:00 AM.
The Living Corridor project aims to transform the existing space into an inclusive corridor, enhancing the vitality of communities and the surrounding environment. Supported by a holistic approach to sustainability, the project integrates social and environmental objectives, promoting more inclusive natural solutions for food production. Through co-design and co-production, the Living Corridor actively involves the local community, offering a space for meeting and collaboration for people of all ages and backgrounds. The project includes various activities such as organic gardening, weekly meditation sessions, book-crossing, seed exchange, training events, and workshops.
The inaugural celebration will be a unique opportunity to celebrate the launch of this extraordinary project, featuring speeches on different themes and a buffet. We invite you to participate actively in contributing to change and promoting solidarity, sustainability, and social inclusion. Register via the Google Form for further details on the project and the event. We look forward to seeing you all!
05 April 2024 – Notte della Geografia in the SME Garden
You are all invited to the ‘Commonshood event at the SME Garden: digital geographies, curation and value creation‘ to be held at the SME Garden during the international ‘Night of Geography‘, promoted by EUGEO and IGU.
During the event, it will be possible to: 1) experiment with the use of the CommonsHood app for exchanging gardening tools and exchanging seeds in the SME Garden; 2) learn about the project and network with other experiences of urban gardens in the Turin area.
27 March 2024 – Webapp CH in the Garden first pilot test
On March 27, 2024, the first test of the new blockchain platform Commonshood for the shared digital management of the SME Garden was held. Only the group of volunteers and collaborators most closely involved with the Garden participated in this initial pilot test. Feedback, issues, and new ideas for improving the platform’s functionality were shared. In the coming days, there will be a second test open to the public in an effort to enhance the features of the new platform.
22 March 2024 – Festa della Primavera/Spring Party
We invite you to celebrate Spring with us at the SME Garden, in collaboration with the Mandala Association. Join us for:
-Experiential Practices for Well-being
-Shared Lunch (bring something to share!)
-Presentation of the Seed Library
-Seed Exchange
-Care and Cleaning of the SME Garden
Be with us to share joy, flavours and commitment to nature! We look forward to seeing you!
14 March 2024 – SME Garden care activities
Spring season seeding and care activities by the CommonsHood in the Garden team have begun. Join us every Thursday morning at the SME Garden
29 February/ 01 March 2024 – Workshop on Regenerative Gardening with Prof. Massimo Pugliese (University of Turin)
On Thursday 29 February and Friday 1 March from 10 a.m. to 12 noon in the School of Economics and Management as part of the SME Garden activities (in collaboration with the Living Corridor NEB project) a workshop on regenerative agriculture will be held by Prof. Massimo Pugliese (Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, UniTO). The entire university community and citizenship are invited to participate.
Scuola di Economia e Management – Corso Unione Sovietica 218 bis, Torino
Thursday 29 February 10 am – 12 noon – Classroom 6 (Polo Vecchio)
Friday 01 March 10 am – 12 noon – Classroom 7 (Polo Vecchio)
05 February 2024 – Immersive Experience in the Living Corridor: Students Explore Environmental Sustainability and Social Well-being at SME
On February 5th, third-year students of SAA in Turin, enrolled in the Sustainability Accounting course, participated in a lesson organized at the Living Corridor, under the guidance of Professor Laura Corazza along with Francesco Marengo, Giuseppe Di Martino, and Domenico Alampi. This engaging experience involved approximately 70 students, who were divided into three groups to carry out a series of activities.
Each group had the opportunity to explore specific aspects of the project in detail. One group, led by Professor Corazza, delved into the history of the Garden and the Living Corridor, focusing on the concepts of sociality, circular economy, and co-creation. Subsequently, the students participated in a practical gardening activity, contributing to the care of the Garden and experiencing firsthand the importance of environmental sustainability.
Another group took part in an outdoor guided meditation session with Nico, offering them the opportunity to reflect on the importance of connection with nature and psychophysical well-being. Finally, a third group had the opportunity to visit the art gallery located in the municipal offices adjacent to the SME, exploring the connections between art, culture, and sustainability.
After completing the three activities, the students gathered in the OASIS to observe the communal gardens managed by the elderly, a tangible testimony of the community’s efforts to promote sustainability and social inclusion. The lesson concluded with a moment of discussion and evaluation of the experience, offering students the opportunity to reflect on the lessons learned and the next steps to take in their journey of study and commitment towards sustainability.
04 February 2024 – CommonsHood in the Garden meets “Una Babele di Semi”
Next 4 February, the CommonsHood in the Garden team will move to the community spaces of Cascina Roccafranca, where they will participate in the event “Una Babele di Semi” (A Babel of Seeds), a moment of exchange of self-produced seeds and knowledge. CommonsHood in the Garden will participate with its own stand with the intention of presenting and publicising the SME Garden.
Sunday 4 February 2024 from 9.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m.
Cascina Roccafranca – Via Edoardo Rubino, 45 – 10137 Torino TO.
For further information: https://www.cascinaroccafranca.it/4-02-una-babele-di-semi/
11 January 2024 – Planning Meeting
On January 11, 2024, an organizational meeting took place at the School of Economics of the University of Turin involving the Commonshood in the Garden team – professors, researchers, and students – the Mandala association, and the Commonshood team from the Computer Science department. During the meeting, the schedule for upcoming activities in the SME Garden over the next few months was discussed.
7 November 2023 – Castagnata all’Orto della SME
The ‘CommonsHood in the Garden’ project with Associazione Mandala invites the student community and the entire citizenry to a moment of meeting and caring in the SME Garden. The event will be held on Tuesday 7 November at 3.30 p.m. in the garden of the School of Economics and Management of the University of Turin (Corso Unione Sovietica 218 bis, 10134, Turin). During the event there will be the inauguration of the “NEB – Living Corridor” project supported by EIT – NEB funds and in partnership with the City of Turin. We invite you to register on this form: https://forms.gle/iy3iNdrGpmnhi4fW6
From 6 October 2023, every Thursday morning – Taking Care Meetings
From 6 October, every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon we meet at the Sme Garden for care work and community meetings, together with Associazione Mandala.
29 September 2023 – CommonsHood in the Garden at UNIGHT – European Researchers’ Night
Once again this year, the CommonsHood team will participate at UNIGHT, the event dedicated to bringing together the city and the world of research.
Several projects will be presented (including CommonsHood in the Garden) that focus on how DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES can empower cities and encourage the active participation of citizens.
The event will be held in:
📍 Piazzetta Reale, 1 – Turin (TO) /// Musei Reali – Giardini Reali
📅 Friday 29 September
⏰ from 17:00 to 23:59
8 September 2023 – Planning Meeting with CommonsHood Tech Team
On Friday 8 September 2023, a meeting was held between the CommonsHood in the Garden project working group and the CommonsHood civic wallet app technical team from UniTo’s Department of Computer Science. The meeting defined some of the main features of the app for optimising its functionalities within the CommonsHood in the Garden project. A demo will be presented to the main stakelhoders involved in the project by the end of October 2023 in order to improve both performance and features. Stay tuned!
5 September 2023 – Meeting with Associazione Mandala in the SME Garden
On Tuesday, 5 September 2023, a meeting between the CommonsHood in the Garden team and the Mandala Association (project partner) was held at the SME Garden (UniTO School of Economics and Management).
At the meeting it was decided to start by October with therapeutic courses for young people with disabilities (but open to the entire citizenry) in the space of the Garden. The therapeutic courses, based on the idea of the benefits of closeness and care for nature, will be run by the Mandala Association with the support of the CommonsHood in the Garden team. The idea is to start an offline experimentation of the garden’s self-management as a basis for the development of the CommonsHood in the Garden wallet app.
25 May 2023 – CommonsHood in the Garden meets local associations
On Thursday 25 May 2023 at 5.00 p.m. the project team of ‘CommonsHood in the Garden’ will meet some of Turin’s civic associations and initiatives in the SME garden. There will also be the opening of the photo exhibition ‘Explorations of the plastisphere. New hybrid ecologies of the Mediterranean’ by RawNews.
Among the associations and projects that will participate include: Ortometraggi Film Festival a project by Associazione Gomboc; Quartier Circolare and EsausTO two projects run by the LVIA association; the FiëscaVerd team which promotes urban regeneration and social inclusion through the recovery of marginal green areas and the activation of urban agriculture paths; the Orto che cura project, a rehabilitation service of the social coop Il Margine, which mainly supports autistic children; and, last but not least, Associazione Mandala, a permanent centre of associative life that promotes a range of activities aimed at the knowledge and practice of natural disciplines for personal well-being.
22 March 2023 – CommonsHood in the Garden Project Opening – SME Garden Spring Party
On Wednesday 22 March 2023 at 4.30 p.m. we look forward to seeing you at the SME Garden. Bring something to drink or eat and we’ll think about chocolate and new seedlings to sow.
Chiara Certomà 