The jury particularly appreciated the solidity of the economic model and the ability to guarantee housing affordability without compromising on quality, as well as the design and construction excellence that allowed for the regeneration of five unfinished buildings into Energy Class A2, powered by renewable sources. Furthermore, the concrete response to contemporary needs was positively evaluated, creating living spaces integrated with socio-health, educational, and community services while simultaneously generating a positive impact on the territory, fostering social cohesion, inclusion, and emission reduction. Finally, the innovation of the process was considered, the result of a public-private collaboration that made the model replicable.

5Square embodies the principles of resilience, environmental responsibility, and urban innovation that the award intends to promote, offering a replicable example for other European cities.

The 5Square project

Located on a former disused commercial area, it is a building reuse intervention of approximately 10,000 sqm of affordable housing that has transformed an urban void into a living and inclusive community. The project was developed by Redo SGR, through the Fondo Immobiliare di Lombardia, promoted by Fondazione Cariplo and the Lombardy Region and having CDP as its anchor investor through the FIA fund of CDP Real Asset SGR, with Barreca & La Varra as the designer and Fondazione Housing Sociale as the technical-social advisor.

The 5Square project was born from the transformation of an abandoned and degraded real estate sector, consisting of five unfinished tertiary buildings in the Vigentino district in the south of Milan. For years, this area represented an urban wound and a social problem. After a long and complex administrative and urban planning process, it was possible to redefine the land use and restore life to these properties, unlocking the development of the area. The intervention is not limited to offering residences at subsidized rents and prices, but carries out an urban operation coordinated with the public administration. 5Square has transformed a degraded area into an inclusive and low-emission residential neighborhood, with Class A2 buildings powered by renewable sources. The project offers 468 affordable homes, integrated with socio-health, educational services, and community spaces, promoting social cohesion and quality of life.

Territorial services

• Early childhood educational services: nursery and kindergarten (0-6 years), spaces open to the territory to support families and favor work-life balance.
• Health and rehabilitation services: outpatient rehabilitation for minors with disabilities (speech therapy, neuro-psychomotricity, psychological support, music therapy).
• Dental services: dental clinic for children, adults, and the elderly, with prevention and treatment activities.
• Creative and social workshops: spaces for people with disabilities, with occupational paths and leisure initiatives in protected contexts.
• Local commerce and social catering: bakery, pastry shop, and “Km 0” restaurant, with organic products and work inclusion.
• Pet services: professional grooming and daycare/boarding for dogs and cats, with dedicated spaces and management.
  
  

Residential services for sensitive categories

• Protected apartments for minors and young adults: paths toward autonomy and social reintegration.
• Housing for single-parent households and mothers with children: support for parenting and independent living.
• Residences for people with disabilities: housing solutions for intellectual and motor disabilities and muscular dystrophy, with educational support.
• Communities for fragile individuals: spaces dedicated to those requiring individualized interventions and family support.
  
  

Statements

“This victory represents an extraordinary recognition of our commitment to promoting a sustainable and inclusive urban development model. 5Square is proof that it is possible to combine sustainable investments with architectural quality, social innovation, and environmental sustainability,” declared Fabio Carlozzo, CEO of Redo Sgr.

“This is a recognition at the European level of the importance of the CDP Group’s role in supporting sustainable and cutting-edge social housing initiatives” – states Antonino Turicchi, CEO of CDP Real Asset SGR – “Among the elements evaluated by the jury, in addition to the excellent characteristics of the specific project, the innovative financial and governance structures, as well as the potential replicability of the projects, weighed positively.”

“We are proud of this recognition. On many aspects of our activity, we compare ourselves with international organizations to seize opportunities for improvement. A great satisfaction for Fondazione Cariplo, which has been active on the Social Housing front since 2004,” declared Giovanni Azzone, president of Fondazione Cariplo.

An award that makes history

The ULI Europe Awards for Excellence is promoted by the Urban Land Institute, an international organization that has operated since 1936 to shape the future of the built environment. In Europe, it has over 5,500 members in 15 countries.

For more information: https://europe.uli.org

Redo SGR is a benefit company currently managing eleven sustainable investment funds, for a total value of 2 billion euros. Looking to the future, Redo is preparing to evolve into Near Sgr with the establishment of the new NEAR group born from the business combination with EuroMilano.

CDP Real Asset SGR is an asset management company whose capital is held 70% by CDP Spa and 30% in equivalent shares by ACRI and ABI respectively. It manages alternative investment funds in sectors including social housing, real estate redevelopment, tourism support, and green infrastructure development.