WONDER WHY
WONDER WHY
A special light is shining on Christmas in Milan, thanks to the “Wonder Why” project, an initiative that, through a profound dialogue between adults and children, has transformed their reflections into distinctive lights in the Municipality 7 of Milan.
200 students from the F.S. Cabrini Primary School and the IC Munari Secondary School have contributed to making the city’s Christmas celebrations unique.
Promoted by Hines, Borio Mangiarotti, and Bain Capital Special Situations in collaboration with ADCI (Italian Art Directors Club), “Wonder Why” has offered young artists the opportunity to transform their thoughts into luminous works.
At the heart of the project is the theme of “beauty,” which has inspired the children – through a dialogue guided by Dr. Loredana Cirillo, psychologist and psychotherapist, a member of the Minotauro Institute – to reflect on what it means to grow up and explore their dreams and concerns for the future.
Thanks to creative educational workshops in the classroom and the guidance of expert art directors from ADCI, the children have translated their thoughts into a series of icons and drawings, 14 of which were chosen to illuminate the public space adjacent to the two schools, particularly Via delle Forze Armate and Via delle Betulle.
The lighting of the illuminations on December 4 was a moment of joy for the entire neighborhood, with the participation of school principals and teachers, students, local institutions, and the promoters of the initiative.
Anna Scavuzzo, deputy mayor in charge of education, commented: “Illuminating neighborhoods, beyond the city center, and even more so schools through the eyes and imagination of boys and girls: a noble goal that gives voice to the little ones in a project aimed at the entire community. With ‘Wonder Why,’ the thoughts and creativity of students are valued, and with them, the entire Municipio 7. I therefore thank the promoters of the initiative, who, in synergy and collaboration with each other and with the schools, have shown great attention and care for the city in a moment that will be a celebration for all.“
The project has given life to an unprecedented Christmas where the lights go beyond simple urban decoration. The children and teenagers of Milan have illuminated Peace by bringing two hands together to transform the earth into the shape of a heart; they have imagined Infinity as an eternal gift of love and gratitude towards loved ones; they have drawn an Embrace to the planet to take care of it; they have put on headphones and turned on Music to their thoughts to listen without judging; they have tied a knot, with two ends, to shed light on unbreakable Bonds and emphasize the importance of relationships with friends, family, and the environment in which they live; they have transformed the globe into the round faces of a dog and a cat, symbols of unconditional love and an expression of the will to take Care of every creature; they have lit a sun at sunset over the sea because Tomorrow is always synonymous with a new beginning and a sign of deep trust.
“Wonder Why” has once again demonstrated that the creativity of children can not only physically illuminate a city but also convey powerful and positive messages. The project is part of the program promoted by Hines “A scuola di Comunità” (Learning from the Community), which in the last two years has reached over 2,700 students in the city of Milan, with the aim of combating social distress in the most fragile urban contexts and contributing to civic education in the younger generation through the activation of educational projects in schools.
