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Revitalizing Canals with Sustainable Flow and Integrated Public Spaces

Authors:
Ryo Murata, Tomoka Ban, Maya Fransisca, Kate Almero
Revitalizing Canals with Sustainable Flow and Integrated Public Spaces

Project in-detail

The transformation of Milan's Navigli canals incorporates sustainable practices and public spaces, creating a dynamic hub that enhances community interaction through the integration of fashion and culture.
5 key facts about this project
01
Revitalizes historical Navigli canals to enhance urban connectivity.
02
Creates multifunctional public spaces through innovative landscaping.
03
Integrates local fashion and culture into the urban framework.
04
Promotes a circular economy with a focus on resource reuse.
05
Features strategically placed structures to encourage community interaction.

The revitalization of Milan's Navigli canals introduces a comprehensive approach that aims to bring back the importance of these historical waterways in a modern urban setting. Located at the center of Milan, the project seeks to transform the canals into lively public spaces that support social interaction and cultural activities. By blending aspects of fashion, architecture, art, and textiles, the design reflects the city's heritage while promoting contemporary urban renewal.

Conceptual Framework

This initiative reinterprets the Navigli canals as vital elements of Milan's identity, highlighting their past role as key transportation routes. The design emphasizes improving the flow of people and resources, promoting a circular economy through practices such as reuse and recycling. This integration positions the Navigli as a center for community engagement and a hub of cultural experiences.

Public Space Integration

A critical aspect of the design is the creation of various public spaces along the waterways. The landscape is designed in a way that encourages social interaction, allowing for a range of activities. These areas connect the urban environment with its historical context, creating a mix that fosters a sense of community and belonging.

Architectural Elements

Notable structures, including TEXTILE and ARCH, are placed strategically in the San Marco area. These features serve functional purposes while enhancing the overall aesthetics of the space. Their designs add character to the public areas, making them important points of interest within the revitalized canal landscape.

Materiality and Sustainability

Although specific materials are not detailed, the focus on sustainability suggests the use of local and recycled resources. This commitment highlights the desire to balance environmental responsibility with practical design. Using sustainable practices reinforces the project’s goal of addressing environmental and social issues while maintaining functionality.

The landscape is further enhanced by pathways that weave alongside the canal, bordered by greenery. These inviting routes encourage exploration and movement through the revitalized areas.

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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

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competition now

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