Gli spazi verdi delle Case della Comunità: opportunità per promuovere la salute e la qualità ambientale

Among urban natural outdoor areas, the open spaces of Case della Comunità (CdC) play a particularly significant role in receiving and fostering social inclusion within communities, and the design of these spaces must ensure accessibility and usability for all neighborhood residents. These spaces hold significant potential for promoting health, not only for specific users but for the broader community as well, as they can enhance quality of life, improve health and support physical and psychological well-being by providing opportunities for restoration, physical activity and positive social interactions. Despite the growing attention to the design of CdC in recent years – particularly in light of the healthcare reform enacted through D.M. 77/2022 – the role of open spaces remains an underexplored topic within scientific literature. As a result, public administrations and design professionals involved in the new construction or renovation of CdC currently lack specific guidelines to inform the development of these outdoor areas. To address these issues, the study reviewed relevant scientific literature and analysed national and international case studies of healthcare facilities incorporating Nature-Based Solutions, biophilic architecture, waiting areas and spaces for physical activity designed to promote health and therapeutic gardens. This material was used to conduct an exploratory study of the open spaces in existing facilities, combining on-site inspections with dialogues with the healthcare staff and end-users. Through interviews and the use of selected images from case studies to support the discussion, it was possible to develop a shared understanding of the potential uses and activities that could be implemented in these outdoor spaces (e.g. waiting areas for users and caregivers, staff relax areas, recreation and socialisation areas, physical activity spaces, children’s playgrounds, horticultural therapy gardens, etc.). This contribution outlines the strategic directions for the creation of green spaces within CdC, capable of enhancing environmental quality, fostering social inclusion and improving human health, and highlights the types of activities that can be integrated into the outdoor spaces of CdC to transform them into active promoters of health.