In the heart of Italy, a unique opportunity is emerging from the shadows of organized crime, offering a beacon of hope for both the construction industry and vulnerable communities. Researchers, led by Serena Giorgi from the Department of Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering at Politecnico di Milano, are pioneering a novel approach to transform confiscated assets into hubs of social and economic value. Their work, published in the journal *Social Sciences* (translated as *Socijalne znanosti*), is not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about building futures.
The challenge is significant. Italy has a vast number of buildings confiscated from criminal organizations, but the process of redeveloping these assets is often slow and resource-intensive. “The average duration of the redevelopment process is 12 years,” Giorgi explains. “This significantly delays the return of social value to the community.” The research aims to change this narrative by creating a ‘win-win model’ that accelerates redevelopment and maximizes social impact.
The model combines building requalification with professional training, creating what Giorgi calls a “construction site school.” This innovative approach provides internships and vocational training for vulnerable individuals, offering them a pathway to professional qualification and social integration. “We’re not just renovating buildings; we’re renovating lives,” Giorgi states.
The research involved a two-pronged approach. First, Giorgi and her team conducted a survey among key informants to identify the main critical issues and needs in the management of confiscated assets by Italian municipalities. This step highlighted the procedural complexities and resource limitations that hinder the redevelopment process.
Second, they developed and tested an innovative model for the requalification of confiscated buildings. This model is designed to overcome these obstacles and expedite the delivery of social benefits to a wide range of stakeholders, including vulnerable people. The pilot project demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of this approach, providing a blueprint for future initiatives.
The implications for the construction industry are profound. By integrating social impact into the redevelopment process, the model creates new opportunities for multi-stakeholder cooperation and community engagement. It also offers a sustainable business model for construction companies, combining commercial interests with social responsibility.
The research also underscores the need for changes in documents and procedures to activate and replicate the model. This includes streamlining bureaucratic processes and securing funding to support the training programs and redevelopment projects.
The ‘win-win model’ is a testament to the power of innovative thinking in addressing complex social and economic challenges. As Giorgi and her team continue to refine and expand this approach, they are paving the way for a future where construction projects are not just about building structures, but about building stronger, more resilient communities.
In the words of Giorgi, “This is not just about construction; it’s about creating a legacy of social impact and economic opportunity.” The research, published in *Social Sciences*, serves as a call to action for the construction industry to embrace this holistic approach and contribute to the social and economic well-being of communities.