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Saffron Fields and Miscanthus Farms Integrating Nature into Urban Life

Authors:
Mariya Romanosova, Fedor Torgashev
Saffron Fields and Miscanthus Farms Integrating Nature into Urban Life
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Integrating Miscanthus and saffron cultivation, the design transforms the Navigli area into a vibrant urban landscape that emphasizes local production while serving community recreational needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Unique integration of Miscanthus as a carbon-capturing plant within the urban landscape.
02
Saffron cultivation promotes local agriculture and culinary heritage in an urban setting.
03
Local hydroelectric power generation utilizes the natural flow of Navigli waters.
04
Community-centric spaces include a multifunctional playground inspired by da Vinci's inventions.
05
The design features a stone cutting workshop, connecting craftsmanship with modern utility.

The revitalization project in the Navigli area of Milan focuses on integrating local production systems into the existing urban environment. Situated along historic waterways, the design aims to enhance community interaction and promote sustainable practices. The overall concept emphasizes decentralization, fostering connections between urban spaces and encouraging engagement among residents.

Da Vinci Playground

The design incorporates a new public space that draws inspiration from Leonardo da Vinci’s water machines. This playground turns the city entrance into a lively area for exploration and play, allowing people to connect with the region’s rich cultural heritage. By blending history with modern interaction, the design aims to invite residents and visitors to discover and engage with their surroundings.



Carbon Farm

Positioned beneath the Bosco Verticale, the Carbon Farm makes use of Miscanthus, a plant that efficiently captures carbon dioxide. This integration of greenery into the urban landscape is intended to improve overall air quality. The initiative highlights the importance of local ecological efforts and encourages the community to participate in sustainability practices. It serves as a reminder that urban environments can promote both living and breathing spaces.



Local Hydroelectric Power Plant

The Local Hydroelectric Power Plant harnesses the flowing waters of the Navigli to provide renewable energy. This facility addresses present-day energy needs while promoting awareness of sustainable living. By using natural resources to produce power, it contributes to a reduced carbon footprint and demonstrates how cities can become more energy-conscious.



Saffron Plantation

The Saffron Plantation enriches local agriculture and connects residents with culinary traditions. By introducing saffron cultivation to the urban context, the design promotes biodiversity and offers opportunities for hands-on involvement in the production process. This initiative emphasizes the significance of local food practices and supports the region’s culinary identity.



The Stone Cutting Workshop represents a commitment to craftsmanship and tradition within the project. This space allows for the production of stone products, essential elements in modern buildings. By showcasing local artisanship, it reinforces the connection to the Navigli area and illustrates how historic techniques can coexist with contemporary design.

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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 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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