Park Design Competition, Milan
International design competition for a new urban park in Milan
2014-2015 City Council of Milan
This project was a part of an international design competition for a new urban park in Milan. Organised by the City Council, the competition centred around an existing road bridge crossing railway tracks at the Garibaldi Station in the north of the city. Our design envisioned a park based on a grid of fixed points, allowing for various social and ecological possibilities to arise based on changing uses, weather conditions, seasons, and the presence of people. Our entry was shortlisted and ultimately secured the second-place position (working in collaboration with Felix Robbins at A-Project).
The starting point for our entry was to consider the park as a cloud enveloping the streets and railway, connecting the old neighbourhoods and skyscrapers. This cloud transforms into a flexible grid of points that defines the level of activity and establishes a framework for various installations. Over time, the park would undergo transformations and changes, adapting to the social, cultural, economic, and environmental context. This adaptable space would foster sustainable growth and economically viable management.
There’s potential for various permanent and temporary installations, such as sports facilities, cultural events, dining and drinking spots, and natural spaces. The emphasis is on a dynamic program where the park’s design adapts to the desired uses, creating a vibrant and exciting place. Beneath this lies an ecological approach to landscape management, where the natural landscape is viewed as a long-term project that safeguards the soil, manages water, and promotes biodiversity.