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Restoring Urban Waterways Through Natural Cleansing Biotopes

Author:
Qihui Hu
Restoring Urban Waterways Through Natural Cleansing Biotopes
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Natural cleansing biotopes enhance urban water management while reintroducing Milan's historic Navigli waterways, creating a sustainable environment that fosters community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural cleansing biotopes are integrated to enhance water management.
02
The design aims to reduce traffic in the city center, promoting pedestrian use.
03
The project emphasizes the unique identity of each planning area.
04
Native vegetation is utilized for effective filtration and absorption.
05
It addresses climate change with strategies for urban heat mitigation.

The "Historical Cleansing Axis SeMa" project in Milan aims to reintegrate the historic Navigli waterways into the city's landscape. Located in a region known for its intricate water systems, the initiative addresses contemporary challenges such as climate change. The design fosters sustainability and ecological restoration while enhancing public access to these important waterways.

Adaptive Traffic-Free Ring

The Adaptive Traffic-Free Ring seeks to reduce car traffic in the city center. By promoting the use of public transport and bicycles, it reclaims urban space for pedestrians. This initiative is essential for improving air quality and creating an environment that encourages walking and cycling.

Blue Green Ring

The Blue Green Ring focuses on incorporating more green spaces into the urban environment. It aims to improve water management by using native plants that filter and absorb rainwater. This integration of nature addresses urban heat and encourages biodiversity in the city, enhancing the overall living conditions for residents.

Characterful Ring

The Characterful Ring allows each planning area to maintain its distinctive features. By highlighting the unique qualities of these spaces, the design fosters a sense of belonging among local residents. This approach enriches the urban experience by emphasizing diversity in architecture and landscape.

The introduction of natural cleansing biotopes is a central aspect of the project. These biotopes enhance the drainage system, helping to recycle water and improve air quality. They incorporate local plants that thrive in the region, reinforcing the project’s aim of achieving a balance between urban life and ecological health.

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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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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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