Get inspired!

17,249 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Elevated Paths and Brass Detailing Within Milan's Urban Waterways

Authors:
Letizia Melano, Maddalena Silva, Maddalena flavia Trojsi, Elisabetta Comini
Elevated Paths and Brass Detailing Within Milan's Urban Waterways

Project in-detail

Water green slate pathways and satin-finished brass elements seamlessly integrate with Milan's historic Navigli waterways, creating vibrant public spaces that foster community interaction and environmental sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Navigli system pathways designed with water green slate enhance durability and aesthetics.
02
Satin-finished brass elements provide a refined, corrosion-resistant accent throughout the design.
03
Culturally embedded storytelling features connect users to Milan’s historical context.
04
Elevated walking paths offer unique perspectives of the waterfront and surrounding areas.
05
Integrated public spaces promote community interaction and sustainable urban living.
The architectural project titled "New Geographies in the Urban Landscape" is centered around the revitalization of the Navigli waterways in Milan, Italy. This initiative seeks to reconnect urban spaces to their historical context while enhancing accessibility and community engagement along the waterways. By integrating natural elements with urban environments, the project aims to foster interactions among residents and visitors, reinforcing the cultural and historical significance of the Navigli system.

The design encompasses a network of pathways and public spaces that highlight the waterways' importance, encouraging pedestrian movement and recreational activities. This initiative addresses urban challenges while creating an environment conducive to social interaction, cultural exchange, and environmental sustainability.

Innovative Integration of Waterways

A key aspect of the project is its focus on integrating historical waterways into contemporary urban landscapes. The design employs clear mapping of the Navigli system, showcasing connectivity and access points between various urban nodes. The architectural approach emphasizes walkability, with pathways that are intentionally designed to promote engagement with the waterfront. By creating accessible routes for pedestrians and cyclists, the project encourages a multifaceted interaction with the urban context.

Materiality also plays a significant role in differentiating this project from typical urban designs. The use of water green slate and satin-finished brass not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also ensures durability and functionality in outdoor spaces. The meticulously designed flooring patterns draw on the natural flow of the waterways, guiding users through the environment while creating an inviting atmosphere for exploration.

Incorporation of Cultural Elements

Another notable design feature is the incorporation of historical narratives into the urban fabric. The project integrates storytelling elements that enhance the user experience by connecting them to the rich history of Milan's waterways. These integrations serve to create a deeper sense of place and identity for the users, allowing them to engage with the environment on a cultural level.

The design further considers the impact of elevation changes, which offer varied perspectives of the waterways and surrounding spaces. These changes in elevation facilitate comfortable gathering areas while enabling users to engage visually and physically with the waterways, encouraging interaction.

For a more in-depth understanding of "New Geographies in the Urban Landscape," readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, architectural sections, and design ideas associated with this project. A detailed examination of these elements will provide insights into the innovative approaches that define this architectural endeavor.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,249 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy