The Via Porro cohousing and autonomy lab is part of an urban and social regeneration effort in the “sottoponte” area of Valpolcevera, Genoa, developed by the Municipality of Genoa with Spim and local institutions, associations and third-sector organizations. 1 The initiative was presented on 23 December 2025, more than seven years after the collapse of the Morandi Bridge; the article does not give a founding date for the project. 1
The facilities are at Via Porro 5 and 6: an autonomy laboratory at number 5 and a cohousing apartment at number 6. 1 The laboratory is arranged like a home, with a kitchen, rooms and bathrooms; associations can use its spaces in rotation, and they can also support people with disabilities to practise independent living. 1 The apartment is intended to support pathways towards autonomy and independent living through individualised plans. 1
The project aims to foster social connection, personal development and relational, domestic and work-related autonomy, as well as participation in neighbourhood life. 1 The laboratory is intended to serve both the nearby cohousing residents and the Certosa and Campasso neighbourhoods, in connection with the Casa di Quartiere. 1 The article says the laboratory still requires adaptations to address architectural barriers, such as an elevator or ramp. 1
The Via Porro facilities form part of a wider network that includes cohousing at Via Calamandrei and Via Fiasella, and facilities in Via Pastore. 1 The Comune’s Via Porro and Via Pastore cohousing work was completed under Investment Line 1.2 of Mission 5C2 of Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). 1 People named in connection with the initiative include Genoa’s welfare councillor Cristina Lodi, housing councillor Davide Patrone, Valpolcevera district president Michele Versace and Centro Ovest district president Michele Colnaghi. 1