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Floating Gardens and Openwork Fencing Enhance Urban Waterway Experience

Authors:
Anna Sayir, Olga Dobrovolskaya
Floating Gardens and Openwork Fencing Enhance Urban Waterway Experience
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Floating gardens within an openwork fencing structure redefine community interaction along the Navigli Channel in Milan, creating a multifunctional space for leisure and ecological engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating gardens provide habitats for aquatic plants, enhancing local biodiversity.
02
The design features openwork fencing that allows natural vegetation to thrive in pedestrian zones.
03
Separate open and closed zones cater to both leisure boating and peaceful walking.
04
Artistic lighting enhances building facades, creating dynamic reflections on the water at night.
05
Strategic connections to surrounding streets promote accessibility and community interaction.

The Navigli Channel project in Milan aims to breathe new life into the city's historical waterways. It seeks to make the Navigli a key part of daily urban life while respecting its cultural significance. The design concept focuses on enhancing connections among natural elements, historical landmarks, and community activities. The goal is to create a space that encourages interaction and engagement among residents and visitors.

Concept and Functionality

The design features distinct areas within the channel to support various activities. The open section allows for boating, inviting people to enjoy water-based leisure activities. In contrast, the closed section is designed primarily for pedestrians, providing a pleasant space for walking and relaxation. This arrangement serves to maximize the utility of the channel while catering to different needs and experiences for a diverse audience.



Ecological Integration

The project places considerable emphasis on ecological aspects through the use of floating gardens. These gardens aim to increase biodiversity by offering habitats for local aquatic plants. By integrating greenery into the design, the project offers an opportunity for people to connect with nature in an urban context. This approach enhances the aesthetic quality of the waterway while promoting environmental awareness and sustainability.



Artistic Elements

The channel's fencing contributes to both safety and visual appeal. With an openwork design, it provides security while allowing plants to flourish in pedestrian zones. This design choice helps to blend the built environment with natural elements, inviting visitors to engage more fully with their surroundings. The fencing becomes more than just a barrier; it acts as a feature that enriches the overall experience along the channel.



Lighting and Atmosphere

Lighting is thoughtfully planned throughout the space. Artistic illumination of building facades will enhance the visual experience, particularly during the evening. The reflections on the water create a welcoming and lively atmosphere after dark. This detail ensures the channel retains its charm and invites people to explore the area, making it a dynamic part of the urban environment at all hours.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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