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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

Project in-detail

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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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

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