Unconventional maps 

The “Unconventional Maps" are a new orientation tool for newly arrived migrants and citizens. The maps have been implemented in the neighborhoods of four European cities: Lisbon (Bairro das Galinheiras), Nicosia, Milan (Central Station-Martesana canal) and Perugia. The "Unconventional Maps have been conceived as true guidelines offering newcomers information and hints on the most relevant –institutional and unconventional – places and helping them settle in the new city and quickly feel "at home". These maps are also meant to be a resource for citizens who wish to discover hidden spots of their city. What makes these maps unique, however, is that the "unconventional" places featured are the result of a co-design process conducted with the project beneficiaries, including diaspora members (Community Agents) as well as children and university students, who decided to share their experience, knowledge, stories, emotions and memories associated to the city.

The "Unconventional Maps" for international university students who come to study in Milan, Perugia, Lisbon and Nicosia involves the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore of Milan, the University for Foreigners of Perugia, the KES College of Nicosia and the ISCTE - IUL University Institute of Lisbon, with the aim of guiding newly arrived students as they enter their academic programmes. These maps not only contain orientation services offered by the universities but also key information on unconventional spots such as community venues, networking cafes and bars, sports centers, language classes, cultural places and suggestions for housing.