Renovated Hospital at Pellerina and refurbished Treasury: the demands of residents in the western suburbs' neighborhoods
In the western outskirts of Turin, Italy, a transformation is underway. Roberto Blefari, a 43-year-old illustrator, has been tasked with redesigning this part of the city as part of the "Voices of the Neighborhood" project.
Blefari's illustrated map paints a vivid picture of the Parella, Pozzo Strada, and Borgata Lesna neighborhoods. He describes them as lively but early-sleeping, with many residents satisfied with the quality of their life. However, there are areas that require attention.
The maintenance of the green areas in these neighborhoods is considered neglected, with the Parella meadow being a notable exception. Residents have also expressed a need for more neighborhood houses, spaces for young people to gather, and shops of proximity. Additionally, many ask to strengthen the network of cycle paths.
One of the structures destined to change or hoped to be revitalized in the western area of Turin is the Aerospace City, the former Thyssen plant. Dark clouds gather over this vacant structure, where seven workers died in 2007. Today, it stands as a reminder of the past, awaiting a long-awaited relaunch. The Aerospace City is hoped to serve as a driving force for the entire area on the border with Grugliasco.
In Blefari's illustrated map, the Aerospace City has been depicted as a construction site. The hospital at Pellerina's plan is another structure that is divisive among citizens. Some want to preserve the green, while others consider it necessary for health and safety reasons.
The Circoscrizione 3 is working to open a gap and respond to the requests of the territory regarding the CPR, which has been depicted as "The Wailing Wall" in Blefari's map, symbolizing a barrier that divides the neighborhood.
The former industrial sites, such as the Mirafiori and Lingotto factories, are also being transformed. Plans include the development of new residential neighborhoods, cultural centers, green spaces, and innovation hubs to revitalize the area.
Among these revitalization projects, Tesoriera Park stands out. Known for "The Grandfather," the oldest tree in Turin, the park is undergoing PNRR-funded redevelopment. This involves the recovery of Villa Sartirana, restyling of green areas and paths, and reactivation of the fountain.
As the transformation of Turin's western neighborhoods continues, the "Voices of the Neighborhood" project aims to ensure that the needs and concerns of the residents are heard and addressed.
