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Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Infrastructure Transforming Urban Waterways into Community Spaces

Author:
Teresa Klein
Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Infrastructure Transforming Urban Waterways into Community Spaces

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and advanced green infrastructure, this revitalization initiative reimagines Milan's waterways, seamlessly blending ecological restoration with vibrant community spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to promote sustainable construction practices.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape.
04
Integrates advanced green infrastructure to improve urban water management.
05
Creates multifunctional community spaces that foster social interactions along the revitalized waterways.
The Porto Vecchio di San Marco project is an architectural endeavor located in Milan, Italy, that seeks to reestablish the city’s historical relationship with its waterways while addressing contemporary urban needs. This project represents a thoughtful reflection on the legacy of the Navigli canals, which have played a crucial role in Milan's development over the centuries. By revitalizing these historical water systems, the design not only enhances functionality but also seeks to reconnect the community with its rich cultural heritage.

The primary function of the project is to create a network of water channels that integrates seamlessly into the urban landscape of Milan. This waterway will serve multiple purposes: improving urban drainage, enhancing biodiversity, and providing recreational spaces for residents and visitors alike. The inclusion of green infrastructure around the water channels emphasizes the project's commitment to ecological resilience. By incorporating parks and publicly accessible areas, the design promotes a healthy urban environment, encouraging residents to engage with nature within a bustling metropolitan context.

Key elements of the Porto Vecchio di San Marco project include well-designed community spaces, adequately furnished plazas, and pavilions that invite social interaction. These areas are strategically placed to foster community connections and host events, markets, and cultural activities, effectively transforming underused spaces into vibrant communal hubs. The careful placement of seating, landscaping, and amenities demonstrates an intention to cultivate social interactions among diverse groups, enriching the community fabric.

Materiality plays a vital role in the project's success. The design likely consists of durable elements such as reinforced concrete for structural supports, glass facades to enhance transparency and natural light, and sustainable plantings. The incorporation of ecological features, such as native plants around the water's edge, not only improves the aesthetic quality of the space but also contributes to the overall health of the local ecosystem. These choices relay a commitment to sustainable design practices that consider both the environment and the well-being of the urban population.

What sets this architectural project apart is its unique approach to weaving history with modern utility. The design acknowledges the historical significance of Milan's canals while innovatively adapting them to meet the demands of contemporary urban life. By facilitating improved water management practices and creating inviting public spaces, Porto Vecchio di San Marco addresses pressing urban issues such as climate resilience and social connectivity in a practical yet thoughtful manner.

Exploring elements such as architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs will provide deeper insights into the conceptual underpinnings and meticulous craftsmanship involved in this project. The architectural ideas inherent in Porto Vecchio di San Marco are not merely about aesthetics; they are about forging relationships between people, nature, and the fabric of urban life. Engaging with this project can inspire further discussions on the intersection of historical appreciation and innovative design in contemporary architecture. Readers are encouraged to delve deeper into the presentation of the project to gain a full understanding of its intentions and implications for urban living in Milan.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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