Deliberative Pathways for the Public Sphere in Milan

Presentation of a practical handbook on digital tools for active communities

On 29 January 2026, ORBIS will take part in a public event in Milan dedicated to deliberative practices, digital tools and civic engagement, hosted at Rob de Matt.

The event marks the presentation of a practical handbook on deliberative methodology, developed through the Milan pilot of the ORBIS project. The handbook builds on two key experimental pathways: the work carried out by IFe Civic Lab at the scale of Municipio 9, and the more recent city-wide experimentation promoted by Saichepuoi.

Addressed to active communities, grassroots groups and civic organisers, the meeting aims to expand and share the ORBIS deliberative approach, offering concrete guidance on how to design, facilitate and sustain deliberative processes. Particular attention will be given to the role of digital platforms and AI-based tools as follow-up instruments for participation and collective action beyond individual projects.

The event is part of the cycle “Deliberation for Co-design. Unfolding perspectives between spaces and digital platforms to support the public sphere”, curated by IFe Research Lab, which explores how deliberation can bridge physical spaces, digital environments and public decision-making.

During the evening, participants will be introduced to the practices, tools and methodologies developed within the Milan ORBIS pilot, situated at the intersection of community action, academic research and civic activism. The handbook will be made available to attendees, and selected digital tools will be demonstrated and tested, fostering an open discussion on how technologies and artificial intelligence can strengthen dialogue, coordination and impact on the ground.

The programme includes contributions from researchers, civic innovators and community representatives, and will conclude with a collective discussion involving active citizens and local actors.

The event is organised with the support and co-funding of the CRAFT – Competence Center on Anti-Fragile Territories (DAStU, Politecnico di Milano), and in collaboration with IFe Civic Lab and Saichepuoi, within the framework of the ORBIS – Open Research and co-creation for Inclusive, Trustworthy and Deliberative AI project.

Date: 29 January 2026

Time: 18:00–20:00

Venue: Rob de Matt, Via Butti 18, Milan