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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
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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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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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Competition organisers

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.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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