6. LIVING LABS MILAN, ITALY

Health & Sustainable Urban Development

Geographical location: 
Bicocca District and University of Milano-Bicocca Campus, Milan, Italy

Short description: 
The UNIMIB INVEST Living Lab on Health & Sustainable Urban Development is an open innovation ecosystem operating in real-life urban environments within the Bicocca district of Milan. It integrates research, education, industry collaboration and citizen engagement to address urban sustainability, environmental health, mobility and clean energy transition. The Living Lab adopts a multidisciplinary and user-centered approach to co-create solutions that improve quality of life and support climate neutrality goals.
Responsible institution/contact: 
University of Milano-Bicocca (UNIMIB) 
Contact: Salvatore Torrisi Salvatore.torrisi@unimib.it, Richa Lal richa.lal@unimib.it 

Project 1 – Monitoring of Air Quality in the Bicocca District
This project focuses on assessing citizens’ exposure to air pollutants using low-cost personal sensors (PM10, PM2.5, PM1, CO, CO2) combined with environmental parameters (temperature, pressure, humidity). The initiative involves students, researchers, commuters and residents in monitoring campaigns conducted in real-life settings. It integrates objective environmental measurements with subjective perception surveys through active mobility labs, fostering awareness and promoting healthier and more sustainable lifestyles.
Contact: Paride Mantecca: paride.mantecca@unimib.it 

Project 2 – Sustainable Urban Mobility: Bicocca Mobility Solutions
This project aims to transform urban mobility systems through advanced technologies and participatory methods. Using GPS, GIS, mapping tools and data mining techniques, the Lab analyzes mobility flows and territorial dynamics to support evidence-based urban planning. In collaboration with district companies, local associations and the Municipality of Milan, the project contributes to the development of a Home-to-Work District Mobility Plan and co-creates practical solutions for smarter and more sustainable mobility.
Contact: Matteo Colleoni: matteo.colleoni@unimibit 

Project 3 – Solar Energy Solutions: Monitoring and Innovation in Bicocca
This project advances solar energy innovation through applied research, industrial collaboration and public engagement. It integrates the MIBSOLAR research center for materials and photovoltaic devices, a testing station for PV panels serving industry partners, and educational laboratories for students. The project monitors real-time energy consumption of university buildings and photovoltaic production from rooftop installations, as well as a PV system at Parco Nord Milano. It supports energy efficiency strategies and demonstrates the tangible contribution of solar technologies to climate neutrality.
Contact: Maurizio Acciarri - maurizio.acciarri@unimib.it