Porto 15 is Italy's first public co-housing project designed specifically for individuals under 35 years old. Situated in Bologna, it emerged as an innovative housing initiative driven by the public administration to address the growing housing challenges faced by young people. The project involved the restoration of 18 apartments in a centrally located, city-owned building, offering affordable rental homes while fostering community and collaboration among its residents.
Launched in 2017, Porto 15 represents a shift from traditional public housing models by encouraging active participation from its tenants. Future residents were selected through an application process that emphasized diversity and social engagement. The project also included a preparatory phase with 40 hours of training for residents to build group cohesion and establish principles of shared living. Today, Porto 15 houses a diverse mix of 25 adults and 12 children, with tenants hailing from various countries and regions.
To promote social inclusion and environmental sustainability, residents are committed to giving back to the local community through activities such as organizing public events and maintaining green spaces. The project has served as a model for collaborative housing in Bologna, inspiring similar initiatives across Italy. It also led to the adoption of local regulations for co-housing, further cementing its role as a groundbreaking experiment in public housing innovation.