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Charred Wooden Shingles and Native Stone Embrace Along a Revitalized Urban Canal

Author:
Erze Dinarama
Charred Wooden Shingles and Native Stone Embrace Along a Revitalized Urban Canal

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and local stone harmoniously frame a multifunctional public space along Milan's Navigli Canal, promoting community engagement and ecological awareness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles are used to enhance fire resilience and aesthetic appeal.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural strength while minimizing environmental impact.
03
The design incorporates native vegetation to promote local biodiversity.
04
A bent A-frame structure optimizes spatial dynamics and encourages social interaction.
05
Multifunctional spaces are designed to host events, fostering community engagement.
The "Around Navigli" architectural project is an urban intervention designed to enhance the dialogue between the historical Navigli Canal and the surrounding Milanese environment. Located within a culturally rich area, the project focuses on revitalizing public spaces while integrating ecological principles and promoting community interaction. The approach centers on optimizing the functionality of urban areas by reimagining existing infrastructures and creating new multifunctional spaces.

The project encompasses various design elements aimed at transforming the urban landscape into an inviting and inclusive environment. By prioritizing pedestrian pathways and green spaces, the design aims to create a safe atmosphere for social interaction. The integration of structural components, such as walking paths and seating areas, facilitates increased public engagement and community use.

Innovative Integration of Spaces

A key feature of the "Around Navigli" project is its strategic use of materials and landscaping to create seamless transitions between natural and urban spaces. The project employs concrete for its structural elements, ensuring durability while complementing the natural stone used in pathways. The inclusion of wooden seating arrangements fosters comfort and accessibility, creating a welcoming environment for various public activities. Vegetation is incorporated throughout the design, promoting biodiversity and enhancing the aesthetic quality of the canal area.

The architectural design uniquely blends historical context with modern urban needs. It revitalizes the connection to the Navigli Canal, emphasizing its historical significance while facilitating new forms of engagement. The design encourages a reduction in vehicle traffic through the transformation of Via Melchiorre Gioia into a shared space for pedestrians and cyclists. This change enhances safety and usability, attracting diverse user groups to the area.

Functional Public Areas

The project features multiple functional public areas, including large scale planting pots which serve both environmental and recreational purposes. These spaces are designed for community gatherings and events, reinforcing social ties among residents. The introduction of viewing platforms and outdoor activity spaces enables visitors to experience the canal from varying vantage points, further increasing the accessibility of the waterfront.

By focusing on urban environmental enhancement, "Around Navigli" positions itself as a model for future urban projects. The design's integrative approach not only respects the historical integrity of the area but also utilizes sustainable practices to improve urban living standards.

For more insight into the architectural plans, sections, and designs, explore the project's detailed presentation, where innovative ideas are further articulated through technical illustrations and documentation.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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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