A House of Peace for Esquilino’s Families and Elderly
Context: The Esquilino District
The Esquilino district stands as one of Rome’s most iconic and complex urban landscapes, nestled in the “central area of Rome” between Termini Station, Via Merulana, and Piazza Santa Croce in Gerusalemme. It is a true historical and cultural crossroads, with a diverse resident population exceeding 20,000 people. Recent sociological studies highlight the district as a symbol of international migration, where a significant portion of the inhabitants come from abroad. At the same time, the neighborhood is facing a notable aging trend; as of late 2024, only a small percentage of the population is under the age of 20, leaving a large number of elderly residents in need of connection and care.
The Community of Sant’Egidio has been deeply rooted in the Esquilino rione for over forty years. Our presence began with pioneering home-care initiatives for the elderly and expanded in the early 2000s with a dedicated School of Italian Language and Culture. Today, through the “Viva gli Anziani!” program, we actively monitor and support over 1,800 senior residents. Furthermore, our “Schools of Peace” offer academic recovery and peace education for local children, while we continue to provide essential food support to families facing economic hardship.
Despite this long-standing and widespread presence, we have lacked a unified headquarters capable of bringing all these vital activities together. To bridge this gap, we reached out to public housing authorities (ATER) to identify a suitable space within the heart of the district. This dialogue led to the selection of two adjacent street-level properties on Via Principe Eugenio and Viale Manzoni. By renovating these spaces, we aim to open a “House of Peace”: a neighborhood center open to everyone, designed to promote coexistence and strengthen the bonds between people of all backgrounds.
The Initiative: Bringing the Outskirts to the Center
Our project, “The Outskirts at the Center,” aims to turn the heart of the Esquilino district into a true model of solidarity and community.
The primary goal is to establish a multifunctional hub; a dedicated space where we can coordinate and strengthen our long-standing programs. Within this new “House of Peace,” support for the elderly, educational paths for children, and integration initiatives for new citizens will come together to build a more resilient social fabric.
We envision this center as a vital remedy for isolation, fostering an active environment where every resident is valued and supported. This journey to build a stronger neighborhood hub will take place over six months, running from January to June 2026.
Project Activities
A dedicated team of architects and engineers has developed an organic renovation plan to ensure the safety and full accessibility of the new hub. These interventions are the heart of a mission to transform these properties into “social proximity hubs” at the service of the entire neighborhood.
1. Essential works at Viale Manzoni 48
The primary focus here is to prepare the space for use as a logistics and storage facility. The intervention includes deep professional cleaning and painting of the surfaces. Additionally, the electrical system will be brought up to code, and a modern climate control system will be installed to ensure the space is functional and efficient.
2. Essential works at Via Principe Eugenio 106 (Basement)
This phase begins with a massive environmental cleanup to remove a significant amount of debris, which will be professionally disposed of at authorized sites. Following this, the rooms will be sanitized and painted. Technical surveys have also identified specific areas that require structural support and plaster repairs to ensure long-term safety.
3. Essential works at Via Principe Eugenio 106 (Street Level)
As the primary public-facing area, this space will be completely transformed. All old commercial fixtures will be removed, and a major priority will be the total restructuring of the bathroom facilities to ensure they are fully accessible to people with disabilities. Finally, the entire ground floor and mezzanine will receive updated electrical and climate systems before a final professional painting of all surfaces.
Activity
Details
€
A1. Necessary activities at the premises located at Viale Manzoni 48
- Heating and electrical systems
- Painting
8.000,00
3.000,00
A.2. Necessary activities at the premises located at Via Principe Eugenio 106 (basement)
- Collection and disposal of sorted and special waste
- Extraordinary maintenance work
- Bathroom renovation
4.000,00
20.000,00
7.000,00
A.3. Necessary activities at the premises located at Via Principe Eugenio 106 (street level)
- Building works and structural upgrades
- Regulatory compliance and systems
- Procedures and fit-out (or setup)
20.450,00
7.000,00
19.000,00
TOTAL COSTS
88.450,00 €
