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Reimagining Urban Canals With Cooling Elements and Ecological Corridors

Author:
Laura Arboleda franco
Reimagining Urban Canals With Cooling Elements and Ecological Corridors

Project in-detail

Utilizing cooling devices and ecological corridors, the redevelopment of Milan's historic Navigli canal system reestablishes community connections while enhancing environmental resilience and functionality.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes engineered cooling devices to reduce ambient temperatures.
02
Integrates ecological corridors to enhance urban biodiversity.
03
Revives historical elements of the Navigli canal system.
04
Offers a multifunctional underpass for pedestrian movement and art displays.
05
Features community spaces designed for year-round outdoor use.

"Rinascimento in Blu" is an architectural design initiative focused on reshaping the urban landscape of Milan with a specific emphasis on the integration of water. The project is situated in the historic Navigli canal area, aiming to blend ecological principles with urban functionality. Its overall design concept prioritizes sustainability, resilience, and a strong connection to the community, tackling challenges posed by growing urban density and climate concerns.

Innovative Cooling Devices

The design features engineered cooling devices that take advantage of natural processes, including evaporative cooling and natural ventilation. These devices are strategically placed throughout the civic spaces, helping to improve the local climate and reduce the effects of urban heat. This approach enhances thermal comfort and encourages the use of outdoor areas at all times of the year while also improving air quality for residents and visitors alike.

Distinct Urban Spaces

Different areas are carefully designed to create a unified urban landscape. One key space is Parco Scenico, which serves as a welcoming entrance to the redevelopment area. It opens up green corridors that enhance biodiversity, incorporating native plant species that help local wildlife thrive. The area emphasizes a connection to nature, reinforcing the project's ecological goals.

Multifunctional Transit Area

The Exhibition Underpass acts as a transit space that combines movement and art. This underground area provides a pathway for pedestrians while hosting exhibitions that educate about the importance of water management in urban settings. By connecting these two functions, the design enhances the overall experience of moving through the city, making it both practical and informative.

Cultural and Reflective Spaces

The Arts Museum serves a vital role in fostering a connection between Milan's historical context and its contemporary culture. It features design elements like misting systems that improve outdoor comfort, inviting people to engage more with the space. Alongside this, Ponte delle Gabelle creates a reflective space where visitors can contemplate the significance of the canal, encouraging quiet moments amid the urban environment.

Although specific materials are not included in the presentation, the focus on sustainability suggests a commitment to environmentally friendly construction practices. The design illustrates a thoughtful relationship between architecture and nature, aiming to strengthen the bond between people and their urban surroundings.

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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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