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Floating Markets and Urban Farms Revitalize Historical Waterway

Authors:
Kian Ming Pang, Yusuke Kobayashi
Floating Markets and Urban Farms Revitalize Historical Waterway
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Floating markets and urban farms along the revitalized Navigli Canal enhance community engagement and promote sustainability in Milan's historical waterfront, transforming the area into a multifunctional urban space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating markets integrate with the canal's ecosystem for enhanced community interaction.
02
The design includes urban farming initiatives promoting local food production.
03
A linear park connects various sites, enhancing pedestrian accessibility along the canal.
04
Transitional parking stations encourage alternative transportation to reduce traffic.
05
Ecological programs focus on composting and sustainability education for residents.

The Navigli Canal revitalization project in Milan aims to change how the historical waterway is perceived and used today. It focuses on enhancing the canal’s function while addressing important city issues such as traffic congestion and the lack of green space. The design encourages a mix of recreational activities and sustainable practices, positioning the canal as an area where community can flourish in an ecological setting.

Design Concept

The aim is to create a lively space that merges recreation with environmental awareness. The canal will support activities such as dining on boats and hosting markets on the water. This approach not only brings life back to the waterway but also encourages people to interact with one another, promoting local culture and a sense of community.

Sustainable Integration

Significant urban challenges include a low ratio of public green space at 12.9% and ongoing traffic issues. The design addresses these problems by incorporating two parking and transit stations. These facilities are intended to encourage the use of alternative transportation, ultimately reducing the number of vehicles in the city center. This strategy highlights the commitment to developing a more sustainable urban environment.

Ecological Programs

A range of programs will focus on sustainability and community involvement. Food-related initiatives will help build connections between residents and their environment. These activities aim to enrich community life while teaching sustainable practices such as composting and urban farming. Through these efforts, the project aligns itself with principles of ecological living.

Architectural Layout

The layout of the revitalized area features a linear park that links different sites along the canal. This design promotes mobility and makes it easier for people to explore. An elevated bridge will act as an important connection, ensuring smooth movement between various parts of the urban landscape. This structure enhances both accessibility and the visual experience, contributing positively to the area.

The presence of greenery along the canal adds to the overall atmosphere, improving local biodiversity and inviting communal gatherings in natural settings.

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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.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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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