10 Jul 2026
Un percorso formativo incentrato sul co-design, sul riciclo e sull'apprendimento pratico.
We carried out our Erasmus+ project in Benevento from 22 June to 1 July. During the outdoor training course of the CHAIR / Co-projecting Healthy and Inclusive Rural Spaces/ project, participants /youth workers from several European countries/ explored the principles of upcycling, recycling, and co-design, gained new practical skills, and became part of an international community.
The main objective of the project was to equip participants with practical skills that they could replicate in their own community spaces by designing and building objects together that make these spaces more inclusive, accessible, and inspiring using recycled materials. Alongside this, participants took part in a variety of artistic, creative, and environmental workshops. The project was much more than a training course, it was an experience filled with inspiring encounters, shared moments, intercultural dialogue, and an unforgettable creative journey.
La Cinta Farm: A Farm Surrounded by Nature
The training took place at La Cinta Farm, a beautiful farm located just a few kilometres from Benevento. In this authentic setting, participants experienced a sustainable lifestyle in close connection with nature, staying in tents at the farm's campsite.
The first day was dedicated to welcoming participants, exploring the farm, and identifying its needs. The ultimate goal was to design and build a functional piece of furniture using recycled materials that would genuinely support the daily activities of the farm.
Designing Together, Creating Together
Throughout the training course, we worked using the co-design methodology, developing the project from the initial concept to the final construction. Youth workers from different backgrounds and experiences collaborated to find the best solutions, demonstrating how creativity and teamwork can give new life to materials that would otherwise be considered waste.
Throughout the training, we were supported by experienced professionals. Valentino Limata assisted with the digital and scale planning of the benches, while Alessandro Bosco led the autoconstruction workshops, guiding the team in the safe and proper use of the tools and throughout the construction process.
k can give new life to materials that would otherwise be considered waste.
A Multifunctional Bench: The Tangible Outcome of the Project
Our goal was not simply to build a bench, but to create a creative, versatile, and practical piece of furniture for La Cinta Farm.
The final result was a modular system consisting of five independent elements that can be used separately or combined in different ways to serve multiple purposes.
The furniture can easily be transformed into benches of different sizes or into a table. It can also function as a bookshelf or a small stage for activities and events. Thanks to its versatility, it meets the different needs of the farm, adapting both to everyday use and to community gatherings.
Opening Up to Other Cultures
The group included participants from seven different countries: Greece, Serbia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Spain, Portugal, and Italy.
Intercultural exchange was also an essential part of the training course. During cultural evenings dedicated to each participating country, participants shared their traditions, typical dishes, music, and dances, turning cultural diversity into an opportunity for mutual learning, dialogue, and enrichment.
The ten-day training course concluded successfully. By the end of the project, a strong and supportive community had formed. The time spent together, the challenges we overcame, the creative work, and the shared experiences created meaningful connections that we hope will continue long after the project has ended.
For more information about the project, click here.
