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Community Spaces Integrated with Historical Waterways

Authors:
Mohamed Shahwan, Sherifa El-haggan, Toka Hassan, Merna Genina
Community Spaces Integrated with Historical Waterways

Project in-detail

Community spaces along historic waterways intertwine with educational hubs and cultural activities, enhancing urban connectivity while prioritizing pedestrian access and environmental sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Community spaces are strategically integrated with historic landmarks along the Navigli.
02
Vertical parking facilities optimize land use while creating additional green areas.
03
Educational hubs facilitate workshops, linking academia with the local environment.
04
Paths are designed to enhance pedestrian flow and promote cycling alongside the canal.
05
Native plant species are incorporated to support local biodiversity and enhance sustainability.

The revitalization of the Navigli in Milano is an important effort aimed at improving urban life along the city's historic waterways. This area, rich in cultural history, blends functionality with a modern design concept that emphasizes pedestrian and cyclist access. The design creates a balance between fast urban movement and moments of calm, encouraging varied interactions with the landscape.

Key Components of the Design

Parks and green spaces play a central role in the project, promoting social interactions and environmental sustainability. These areas provide a refuge within the urban environment and encourage connections among residents and visitors. They offer opportunities for relaxation and communal activities, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the Navigli.



Pedestrian Pathways and Traffic Flow

A major focus of the design is the improvement of pedestrian pathways alongside the canal. Vehicle traffic has been redirected to main streets, prioritizing safe and inviting spaces for walking and cycling. Vertical parking facilities have been introduced to maximize land use, resulting in more green spaces that enrich the experience for users.



Cultural and Educational Hubs

Educational institutions, including the Università degli Studi, are strategically placed along the Navigli, acting as cultural and educational centers. These institutions are designed to host workshops and community activities, strengthening the relationship between the school and the local environment. Open libraries and exhibition spaces enhance cultural exchanges within the area, attracting a diverse audience.



Historical Integration and Modern Amenities

The design thoughtfully connects historical landmarks, such as the Da Vinci Lock and nearby basilicas, with contemporary features. Public platforms and gathering spaces around these sites create settings for performances and community events. This approach ensures that the historical context remains relevant in everyday life, allowing the past to blend with the present.



Paths lined with local plant species add beauty to the environment while supporting wildlife. Careful attention to how these spaces are used promotes dynamic interactions among visitors and the waterways, making the Navigli a lively urban corridor.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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