BMSC – Borgo Mazzini Smart Co-housing

Europe

Paola Roma - Referee

Regional Minister of Social Services of the Veneto Region

A People-Centred Philosophy for a Changing World At the heart of the Borgo Mazzini Smart Cohousing project is a simple yet powerful principle: putting people first in a rapidly changing world. Today, shaping the future requires anticipating challenges and responding with innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of communities. Population ageing is one of the most significant demographic transformations of our time, already reshaping the social fabric of society. In the Veneto Region, there are currently more than 1.1 million people aged 65 and over, representing 24% of the population. By 2050, this number is projected to rise to 1.6 million, accounting for 35% of the population. These changes call for a strong commitment from institutions—not only in terms of services and infrastructure, but also through a cultural shift in the way ageing is understood and supported. The objective is to develop new ideas and services for older adults and their families, promoting healthy and active ageing by fostering meaningful connections between individuals and the communities in which they live. This vision is the foundation of Borgo Mazzini Smart Cohousing. Through a process of urban regeneration and participatory planning, EnEA has placed housing at the centre of new approaches to ageing, creating a supportive residential community in the city of Treviso. By reimagining part of its real estate assets and leveraging the strengths of the local area and its stakeholders, EnEA has responded to emerging social needs across generations. The result is Treviso’s “solidarity neighbourhood” — a community designed to encourage social interaction while respecting each resident’s independence and autonomy. The development offers accessible, barrier-free apartments where residents can feel safe, maintain their independence, and combat social isolation. At the same time, a range of basic support services is available to make everyday life easier, creating an environment where people can age with dignity, security, and a strong sense of belonging.

Family Unit, Parents, Children & Youth, Women, Older Person / Disabilities

2026

2025 2026 and ongoing

The Borgo Mazzini Smart Cohousing project demonstrates strong consistency and long-term sustainability through a progressive development process that has been ongoing for more than a decade. The initiative originated from a participatory planning process launched in 2014, involving citizens, stakeholders, professionals, and local institutions in the co-design of an age-friendly neighbourhood. This long-term vision enabled EnEA to transform part of its real estate assets into an innovative housing and community model focused on active ageing, social inclusion, and independent living. Over time, the project has evolved from the initial regeneration of existing housing units into a broader urban and social development programme. The original 32 apartments have been complemented by additional housing units and community spaces through successive investment phases supported by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) programmes, including POR FESR 2014–2020 and PR Veneto FESR 2021–2027. The continuity of the initiative is reflected not only in the expansion of housing capacity but also in the ongoing provision of services, including health monitoring, social support, community engagement activities, home assistance, digital inclusion services, and innovative programmes such as the Social Concierge, Time Bank, and Senior Volunteering schemes. The project has maintained its core objective of promoting ageing in place while continuously adapting to emerging social needs. Recent investments in energy efficiency, smart home technologies, accessibility improvements, and barrier-free design further demonstrate the commitment to ensuring the long-term viability and relevance of the initiative. The combination of sustained institutional support, multi-year funding, continuous service provision, and ongoing infrastructure development confirms Borgo Mazzini Smart Cohousing as a stable and growing good practice that has generated lasting benefits for older people, their families, and the wider community of Treviso.

Evaluation of the Good Practice * The evaluation of the Borgo Mazzini Smart Cohousing project is based on its ability to respond effectively to the social, housing, and care needs of an ageing population through an innovative, community-based approach. The project has successfully transformed a section of Treviso’s historic centre into an age-friendly neighbourhood where older adults can live independently while benefiting from social participation opportunities, accessible environments, and a light support network. By combining housing, social services, health monitoring, community engagement, and inclusive urban design, the initiative addresses multiple dimensions of wellbeing and quality of life. A key indicator of success is the continued occupancy and use of the housing units, together with the expansion of the project through additional apartments financed under successive European funding programmes. The regeneration of existing buildings and the introduction of smart technologies, accessibility measures, and barrier-free design have improved both the quality and sustainability of the housing offer. The project has also generated significant social impact by reducing the risk of loneliness and social isolation among older people. Through initiatives such as the Social Concierge Service, the Time Bank, Senior Volunteering, and shared community spaces, residents are encouraged to actively participate in community life, strengthen mutual support networks, and maintain their autonomy for as long as possible. Beyond the direct beneficiaries, Borgo Mazzini has contributed to the wider community by creating inclusive public spaces, fostering intergenerational relationships, and promoting the principles of active and healthy ageing. The use of participatory planning methodologies and Universal Design principles has further enhanced the project's relevance, accessibility, and replicability. The long-term institutional commitment of EnEA, the continuation of investments through regional and European funding programmes, and the growing recognition of the project as a model of ageing in place demonstrate its effectiveness and sustainability. Overall, Borgo Mazzini Smart Cohousing represents a successful example of how urban regeneration, social innovation, and age-friendly policies can be integrated to improve the lives of older citizens and strengthen community cohesion.

Governments (national, regional, local), Public administration, Healthcare providers, NGOs

1. Expand the Age-Friendly Housing Model and fight against loneliness Increase the availability of accessible and affordable housing solutions for older adults by further regenerating existing buildings and developing new cohousing opportunities. The objective is to enable a greater number of people to age in place safely and independently while remaining connected to their local community.