Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Restoring Urban Waterways Through Natural Cleansing Biotopes

Author:
Qihui Hu
Restoring Urban Waterways Through Natural Cleansing Biotopes
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
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.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
new

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 July 2026
new
The Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 July 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026
new
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 29 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy