Park Design Competition, Milan

International design competition for a new urban park in Milan

2014-2015 City Council of Milan

urban park design competition diagram of park as a grid of points

Park framework as a grid of points

Sketch diagram of city with park as a grid of lights

Imagining the park as a point cloud

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).

Multiple use configurations for the bridge with meadow planting

Urban design site analysis diagram

Park diagrams

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.  

Park design competition landscape plan

Sketch plan of proposed park over bridge

Imagined view of park with pop-up events

Imagining multiple park possibilities

Imagined view of park with sports

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.

urban park design competition diagram showing sports

Sketch diagrams of park evolution

Sketch diagram of park grid evolving into paths
Sketch diagram of park grid developing into a pop-up event
Sketch view ramp and play

Park images

Forest grid planting