Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Enhancing Urban Ecology With Native Planting and Sustainable Water Features

Authors:
Anna Sayir, Olga Dobrovolskaya
Enhancing Urban Ecology With Native Planting and Sustainable Water Features

Project in-detail

Restoring the Navigli Channel with native planting and thoughtfully designed water features transforms a historic waterway into an inviting public space that fosters community interaction and ecological awareness.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project incorporates floating gardens to enhance biodiversity and aesthetic appeal along the canal.
02
Steel railings and bridges are designed to provide safety while complementing the waterway's visual character.
03
Native plant species are selected for landscaping to promote local ecology and support wildlife habitats.
04
Innovative rain gardens are integrated to effectively manage stormwater and reduce urban runoff.
05
Interactive seating areas encourage community engagement and social interaction in the public space.
The architectural project focusing on the reopening of the Navigli Channel in Milan represents a thoughtful integration of historical context and modern urban design. Situated in a city known for its rich architectural heritage, this project serves to re-establish a vital connection between the community and its waterways. The initiative is more than just an infrastructural restoration; it symbolizes a renewed commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and enhanced public space usability.

At its core, the project focuses on revitalizing a historic waterway while transforming it into a vibrant public space. The reopening of the Navigli Channel is designed to facilitate not only aesthetic appreciation but also functional versatility. As a multifunctional space, the channel promotes recreational activities, social interactions, and environmental resilience. The project seeks to cater to pedestrians, cyclists, and families, creating an inclusive atmosphere that welcomes diverse demographics to engage with the area.

The design details of the project highlight various important elements. The approach to materiality is particularly notable, focusing on sustainable choices that echo the surrounding environment. The use of concrete offers structural integrity while ensuring durability and ease of maintenance. Transparent glass is employed in features such as public seating and light structures, visually integrating the surroundings and illuminating the channel at night. Steel railings and frameworks for walkable bridges complement the overall aesthetic, encouraging safe and enjoyable navigation across the waterway. By incorporating native flora into the landscaping, the project further enhances biodiversity, supporting local ecosystems.

Another crucial aspect is the composition of green spaces. These spaces are strategically designed not only for beauty but also for ecological function. Floating gardens introduce innovative landscapes that contribute to visual interest and environmental health, while rain gardens effectively manage stormwater runoff. Parks and recreational areas are intentionally configured to provide leisure opportunities for both children and adults, facilitating community gathering and engagement.

The circulation design embodies an emphasis on connectivity. The well-planned network of pedestrian pathways and bicycle lanes encourages eco-friendly movement, aligning with contemporary urban transportation trends. Noteworthy are the walking bridges and ramps that create seamless interactions between various spaces, allowing for fluid movement throughout the area. Careful consideration is given to parking facilities to minimize disruption and retain a high percentage of green spaces, integrating functionality with aesthetic value.

Unique design approaches have led to interactive elements that invite participation and foster a sense of ownership among community members. A spiral slide and amphitheater-like seating are designed to encourage playful interactions, appealing to both the young and the young at heart. Furthermore, the lighting design has been meticulously crafted to enhance not just functionality but also the overall ambiance of the channel, creating a sense of safety and inviting evening activities.

The reopening of the Navigli Channel signals a transformative phase in the urban landscape of Milan. The project embodies principles of sustainable architecture while paying homage to the city’s historical identity. By blending contemporary design elements with traditional aspects, it furthers the discourse on public space utilization and environmental stewardship. Emphasizing the importance of community interaction and ecological awareness results in a space that is both practical and meaningful.

For those interested in exploring the intricate details of the project, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and innovative architectural designs, further insights can be gained by examining the project presentation. This initiative not only aims to restore a historical waterway but also aspires to redefine urban living by promoting a cleaner, more accessible environment in Milan.
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 16544 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