Maddalena Community Club
Matteo Descoeudres
/George Richard Francis Hall Allen
In the heart of Genoa, in the narrow streets of the Maddalena district, the tall buildings struggle to let the sun's rays through. An overwhelming, almost suffocating atmosphere pervades the district. Not a single square, not a single gathering place. Just people passing by, not bothering to linger. With the exception of a few customers in search of carnal pleasures, stopping timidly and discreetly. It's in the motley atmosphere of this residential area that the lack of a community space is felt, a place where people can meet, exchange ideas, organise events or even come to relax and enjoy their neighbourhood. It was from this premise that the idea of creating a neighbourhood centre was born. This space was created by opening up the ground f loor of one building, freeing up the underside of the two buildings and creating a large open space, as well as a square, created by the demolition of a building between the two mentioned above. This space under the construction remains free, allowing residents to use it as they wish. The club and its programme have been moved to the new f irst and second floors of the building. The aim is to create a place that is accessible to all local residents and visitors, with a childcare service, a community health centre, a place where people can come to eat and enjoy cultural events, an exhibition recounting key events in the neighbourhood and community housing for disadvantaged people. The aim is to showcase the diversity that exists in the district and dismantle barriers, by connecting the Strada Nuova and the Maddalena and by bringing together people from different backgrounds working towards a common goal: personal fulfilment.