ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on self-building projects in the Lombardy region, in the north of Italy. It investigates how these self-building projects have paved the way to various forms of solidarity. The chapter explores how engagement in the actual process of self-building has nurtured solidarities, how these solidarities have supported the implementation of the projects themselves and how solidaristic bonds have been challenged throughout the projects. The forms of solidarity describe the two concomitant factors contributed to changing the overall positive picture such as: individualistic attitudes and conflictual dynamics. In the field of housing studies, considerable attention has been paid to social mix projects and their potentialities and limits to generate solidarity among strangers. Discussions about social mix in housing developments relate to much wider issues about the nature and the purposes of interactions in urban areas. Researchers have underlined the relevance of community development/building actions to promote residents' participation and increase contact in mixed housing projects.
