An innovative project of sustainable agriculture and inclusion that brings together environment, community, and work
On Tuesday, November 19, the inauguration of A Greenhouse for Mirafiori was held at Spazio WOW on Via Vigliani 102, the first example in Turin of an urban aeroponic greenhouse dedicated to social catering.
The project, implemented by Cooperativa Sociale Mirafiori with the support of Compagnia di San Paolo and the PN Metro Plus and Città Medie Sud 2021-2027 Program, represents an innovative model of environmental sustainability and social inclusion in the heart of Mirafiori Sud.
A MODEL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
The aeroponic greenhouse was built by the Piedmont-based company Agricooltur, one of the leading players in the design of turnkey out-of-soil cultivation systems.
Agricooltur develops simple, efficient, and sustainable solutions to produce healthy, low-impact food, generating economic, reputational, and social value for partners. Its mission is to make vertical farming technologies accessible and scalable.
The facility, built on a 100 sq m area within Spazio WOW, has enabled the recovery of a previously paved urban space, returning it to agricultural production. Aeroponic technology allows for 98% water savings compared to traditional open-field cultivation—equivalent to approximately 277,000 liters per year—and a significant reduction in fertilizer use.
With an estimated annual production capacity of approximately 7,000 kg of fresh vegetables, the greenhouse supplies La Locanda nel Parco, the cooperative’s social restaurant located just 500 meters away, as well as the social and care services it manages, such as meals for Caritas shelters. Transportation is carried out by cargo bike, eliminating CO₂ emissions.
SOCIAL INCLUSION AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
A Greenhouse for Mirafiori also represents an important social inclusion project. The hiring of two young people from educational and social-rehabilitation services for adolescents and young adults under the cooperative’s care is planned.
The greenhouse also serves an educational role for schools, families, and young people in the area, through free educational programs dedicated to environmental and food sustainability.
A COLLABORATION AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY
The initiative is part of the collaboration agreement for common goods signed between the City of Turin and Cooperativa Mirafiori for the management of Spazio WOW.
This synergy between public institutions, the third sector, and the local community demonstrates how the redevelopment of disused urban spaces can generate innovation, sustainability, and social cohesion, transforming them into places of production and shared value.
