From participatory design to relational pedagogy: the Desio workshop that turns space into an educational ally
When space educates: the heart of the Paripasso project
Space as the third educator is no longer just a pedagogical theory. In Paripasso HUBs, it becomes a tangible reality—safe, relational, stimulating environments dedicated to children aged 0-6 and their families. Part of the national project “Paripasso – Growing together”, selected by Con i Bambini as part of the fund against educational poverty, these HUBs are located in Desio, Bari, Zagarolo, Valle Trompia and Castel Volturno.
A workshop to rethink educational spaces
At the Desio HUB, five students from Politecnico di Milano took part in a creative and transformative workshop, promoted with Stripes Social Cooperative. The goal was to rethink the indoor and outdoor spaces to make them more welcoming, accessible, and engaging. A project that combines design, pedagogy, and communication to turn the HUB into a lived, not just visited, place.
Prototypes that spark imagination and connection
Each design is a world to explore. FormaFiabe by Alice Abela is an interactive theatre where children become the protagonists of stories they help create. Grow Slow – Seeds of patience by Martina Crivellaro is a gardening lab that connects toddlers with the slow, constant rhythm of nature.
Small Worlds by Anna Meregalli bridges indoors and outdoors through a flexible storytelling mat. Color Enigma by Giulia Mastrantonio transforms the path to Villa Tittoni into an imaginative trail for families. And Let’s Pretend… by Giulia Tassoni invites children to play in public spaces through interactive and open-ended panels, sparking creative autonomy and storytelling.
Paripasso HUBs: spaces where education becomes community
The HUBs are not just places: they are educational ecosystems. Thanks to multidisciplinary teams, they offer innovative learning paths for children and practical support for parents, including job orientation and group coaching. They welcome vulnerable families who often remain invisible to traditional services, creating inclusive networks of care and growth.
Architecture, design, and pedagogy for early childhood
As Dafne Guida, president of Stripes Social Cooperative, explains, “the collaboration between architecture, design, and pedagogy is key to shaping spaces where beauty serves an educational purpose.” The Paripasso HUBs are just that: spaces where ideas take shape to support imagination, connection, and social support.
10 FAQs about the Paripasso project
1. What is the Paripasso project?
A national initiative to tackle early childhood educational poverty through innovative educational spaces.
2. What are Paripasso HUBs?
Accessible, flexible spaces where children and families receive educational and social support.
3. Where are the HUBs located?
In Desio (MB), Bari, Valle Trompia (BS), Castel Volturno (CE), and Zagarolo (RM).
4. Who runs the project?
Stripes Social Cooperative with partners including Politecnico di Milano, Mission Bambini, local municipalities, and more.
5. What does “space as the third educator” mean?
It refers to the idea that space itself plays a key role in children’s learning and development.
6. Who took part in the Desio workshop?
Five design students from Politecnico di Milano, guided by two faculty members.
7. What role does design play in the project?
It helps create meaningful, inclusive, and stimulating environments for children and families.
8. What activities are offered in the HUBs?
Children’s workshops, parental support, job orientation, and community-building initiatives.
9. How is the community involved?
Through local events, public installations, and communication campaigns that raise awareness.
10. Where can I learn more?
Visit the official website: percorsiconibambini.it/paripasso
Leave a Reply