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Aromatherapy Informed Canal Spaces Enhanced by Sustainable Wood and Concrete Elements

Author:
Nil Guney Ozturk
Aromatherapy Informed Canal Spaces Enhanced by Sustainable Wood and Concrete Elements
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Aromatherapy-inspired planting enriches public spaces along revitalized navigable canals, merging sustainable materials like wood and concrete to create vibrant areas for recreation and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Aromatherapy planting enhances sensory experience along the canal pathways.
02
Sustainable materials like charred wood and concrete are strategically used for durability.
03
The design incorporates a bent A-frame structure for aesthetic and spatial efficiency.
04
Interactive public spaces promote community engagement and recreational activities.
05
Navigable canals are revitalized to restore historical connections in Milan.

The Urban Shore project focuses on revitalizing the Navigli canals in Milan, Italy, by integrating sustainable architecture and public space enhancements. This initiative aims to augment the urban environment, improve community connectivity, and celebrate the historical significance of the waterways. The project emphasizes a re-engagement with the canals, providing functional areas that cater to both residents and visitors while promoting ecological practices.

The primary function of the Urban Shore project is to create a multi-use urban landscape that supports recreational, cultural, and commercial activities. The design incorporates pathways for pedestrians and cyclists, seating areas, performance spaces, and green zones. Key components of the project include the implementation of navigable canals and a selection of aromatic plant species that promote biodiversity while enhancing the sensory experience within the urban environment.

Unique design approaches distinguish the Urban Shore project from typical urban initiatives. The project introduces an Aromatherapeutic Line, emphasizing the incorporation of specific plants such as rosemary, lavender, and mint to create a fragrant ecosystem. This not only enriches the environmental quality but also addresses pest management naturally. Additionally, the design integrates sustainable materials such as concrete for structural elements, wood for seating and walkways, and glass for transparency and visual integration with the surroundings. The project’s landscape architecture further promotes community participation and interaction through thoughtfully designed communal spaces.

A significant aspect of the design lies in the focus on enhancing the urban ecology and connectivity. The pathways and overall spatial configuration facilitate movement and access, while the reopened canals serve as both a recreational waterway and a mechanism to restore the area’s historical relationship with water. The careful consideration of mobility and green infrastructure exemplifies a progressive approach to urban design, aligning with contemporary needs while honoring the site's heritage.

For further insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas behind the Urban Shore project, interested readers are encouraged to explore the complete project presentation to deepen their understanding of this innovative endeavor.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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