What is the Project?
OrtiAlti is a non-profit organization of architects, researchers, agronomists, and educators founded in 2015 by Elena and Emanuela. It investigates and experiments with new practices of reusing urban space, starting from communities. By transforming underutilized areas of the city into gardens and urban farms, OrtiAlti creates innovative spots for cultivating, learning, and gathering together. The project breathes new life into forgotten parts of the urban landscape, turning them into vibrant, nature-inspired spaces.
Main Benefit
The benefits of OrtiAlti’s approach to urban regeneration are many and impactful. A quick glance at its key figures and facts shows:
- Founded in 2015 by two visionary architects, Elena and Emanuela.
- Transforms underutilized city areas into thriving gardens and green urban farms.
- Partners with major companies such as Eataly, Leroy Merlin, and Carrefour.
- Engaged in advanced European projects around nature-based solutions.
- Recipient of numerous national and international awards and recognitions.
Vision and Mission
At its core, OrtiAlti is all about change that improves everyday life in the urban environment. The organization investigates and experiments with innovative practices to reuse urban space, starting directly from the community. Engaging citizens in caring for their shared spaces, OrtiAlti is passionate about building greener, healthier, and more inclusive urban environments. With every new garden or urban farm, the project invites people to rethink how cities interact with nature.
Innovative Collaborations
One of the standout features of OrtiAlti is its ability to build bridges across different sectors. The organization collaborates with various companies—Eataly, Leroy Merlin, and Carrefour—to bring urban horticulture into the mainstream. Moreover, it plays a vital role in European projects dedicated to “nature-based” solutions, constantly testing and adopting fresh ideas to tackle urban challenges. Coordinating the green community hub beeozanam in Turin also emphasizes its commitment to creating urban spaces that encourage community participation and innovation.
Team and Expertise
The strength of OrtiAlti lies in its diverse team of professionals. The organization includes a mix of architects, researchers, landscape architects, agronomists, and educators who all work together to make cities more sustainable, green, and inclusive. It is a shining example of multidisciplinary collaboration where varied professional backgrounds converge in an innovative project. Notably, the board of directors—comprising Elena Carmagnani (President), Emanuela Saporito (Vice-President), and Elisa Albarosa (Secretary)—brings together passion and expertise to drive the project forward, ensuring that every initiative is both creative and grounded in solid research.
Project Impact
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Reinventing urban spaces to enhance livability.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Supporting eco-friendly practices through urban agriculture.
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Enhancing urban quality of life by creating peaceful green areas.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Promoting sustainable and local food production.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Fostering social inclusion and encouraging community empowerment.
The Future of Urban Spaces
OrtiAlti isn’t just about planting a garden; it’s about reimagining urban life. Transforming flat roofs into green roofs cultivated as vibrant new urban places significantly improves the quality of city life. Every initiative is an invitation to see cities differently—more connected to nature and more focused on the wellbeing of its inhabitants. The project is driven by the goal of urban regeneration, emphasizing not only environmental renewal but also stronger social bonds among residents. Simultaneously, it champions critical consumption and sustainable practices, ensuring that urban development is thoughtful and responsible.
This dynamic organization also works on social innovation projects that generate real impact. It builds virtuous collaborations between public and private entities, cultural centers, and universities around themes such as urban agriculture, the green roof as a tool for urban regeneration, and the shared care of urban common goods. Through these efforts, OrtiAlti paves the way for sustainable, green, and inclusive urban living, demonstrating that cities can be spaces of creativity, connection, and continuous renewal…
