Abstract
The “I LIVE POLITO” workshop initiative at Politecnico di Torino highlights the role of design in shaping social policy by promoting Gender Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (GEDI) through participatory methodologies. Launched by the Vice-Rectorate for Equal Opportunities, Inclusivity, and Quality of Life, the initiative adopts a strategic and political approach to embedding diversity and inclusion into the university’s governance framework. Anchored in a co-design process, the workshop brought together approximately 50 representatives from across the university, including students, faculty and staff, to collaboratively explore key themes: “Equality”, “Accessibility” and “Well-being”. Facilitated by an interdisciplinary team and supported by an external communications agency, participants identified systemic challenges and proposed actionable strategies to foster inclusivity and enhance organizational well-being. Building on these outcomes, the workshop has initiated an ongoing process to define GEDI actions for the university’s next Strategic Plan. This process, structured around three parallel working groups, adopts a bottom-up approach that actively involves students, teachers, technical-administrative staff, and university governance. It seeks to establish clear objectives and implement feasible, shared, and measurable policies, ensuring Politecnico di Torino evolves into a more inclusive and accessible institution. The results of this participatory framework have informed a comprehensive report that will shape the forthcoming Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Plan, aligning with Horizon Europe eligibility criteria. By integrating diversity into strategic planning, the “I LIVE POLITO” initiative demonstrates the potential of design to drive social innovation, fostering ethical and democratic policy-making while enabling sustainable institutional transformation in Higher Education.
Presenters
Giulia BeltraminoPhD Student, DAD - Dipartimento di Architettura e Design, Politecnico di Torino, Torino, Italy Claudia De Giorgi
Professor, Department of Architecture and Design (DAD), Politecnico of Torino, Italy
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
POLICY DESIGN, GEDI, INCLUSION, CO-DESIGN, PARTICIPATORY APPROACH, HIGHER EDUCATION, GOVERNANCE
