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Cultural Pathways Enriching Historical Canals Through Outdoor Galleries

Authors:
Justyna Dmytryk, Maja Klawitter
Cultural Pathways Enriching Historical Canals Through Outdoor Galleries

Project in-detail

Outdoor galleries alongside restored canals create vibrant pedestrian pathways that unite Milan’s historical landmarks with modern social spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cultural landmarks are integrated along the canal to enhance historical context.
02
Public art installations are featured prominently to engage the local community.
03
Pedestrian pathways prioritize mobility and safety while promoting social interaction.
04
Green spaces provide ecological benefits amid urban development.
05
Outdoor galleries create dynamic exhibition areas along the canal walkway.

The Urban Plan of the Milan Navigli Canal focuses on revitalizing the area around this historic waterway, intertwining contemporary urban design with the cultural richness of Milan. Located in a bustling urban environment, the project aims to improve social interactions, recreational spaces, and accessibility for both pedestrians and cyclists. The core design concept revolves around the idea of a “Walk Through The Culture,” emphasizing the connection between the city’s historical significance and contemporary public engagement.

Cultural Landmarks

The project highlights significant cultural landmarks such as Cimitero Monumentale, Castello Sforzesco, and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. These structures serve as important points within the urban setting, illustrating Milan's architectural history and creating a narrative that invites exploration. Their presence enhances the area’s character, making it easier for people to connect with both the past and the present.

Public Engagement

Incorporating public art and leisure areas is a major aspect of the design. The layout includes pedestrian walkways, bike lanes, and spaces for outdoor galleries, aiming to turn the edges of the canal into lively cultural spots. This setup encourages active participation, allowing visitors to enjoy the environment while interacting with each other. By reducing traffic, the area becomes safer and more enjoyable for those on foot or on bicycles.

Recreational Spaces

The inclusion of green spaces is central to enhancing community well-being. Parks like Parco dell'Anfiteatro Romano and Giardini Indro Montanetti are designed not just for recreation but also to provide ecological benefits within the city. Introducing features like outdoor cinemas signals a commitment to creating varied spaces for community activities. These areas promote engagement with the outdoors while accessing urban facilities.

Design Integration

While specific materials are not mentioned, there is a focus on durability and suitability for the local context throughout the project. The public spaces aim to balance utility with visual appeal, ensuring they work well with nearby historical buildings. This attention to design detail keeps the canal area integral to Milan's identity, integrating current needs with historical considerations.

The result is an urban environment where walkable paths, public art, and historical landmarks blend together, creating an inviting atmosphere that respects both the heritage and future of Milan's Navigli Canal.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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