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Waterfront Heritage Center Emphasizing Public Interaction and Cultural Integration

Authors:
Dinah Dupiton, Adèle Zgainski
Waterfront Heritage Center Emphasizing Public Interaction and Cultural Integration
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Set against the historic backdrop of Milan's Navigli, the design incorporates aquatic faults and communal spaces that enhance public interaction while emphasizing cultural heritage and ecological sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates historic architectural follies with modern public spaces.
02
Focuses on promoting biodiversity through natural water features.
03
Enhances community engagement with strategically placed gathering areas.
04
Reconnects urban life with the historical significance of the Navigli.
05
Emphasizes soft mobility by prioritizing pedestrian pathways over vehicle access.

The revitalization of the Navigli in Milan aims to reconnect the historic waterways with the urban landscape. This initiative enhances environmental quality and fosters social interaction. Positioned in a culturally rich area, the design focuses on transforming neighborhoods into lively spaces. Drawing on the principles of aquatic and vegetal faults, the vision is to create an interconnected environment where natural elements blend with urban settings.

Design Framework

A key aspect of the design is how it partitions the urban space to energize the streets. By integrating water features and green areas, the project seeks to enhance the quality of life for those who live and visit the area. This focus on nature aims to restore essential links to the waterways, reminding the public of the Navigli's historical importance in city life.

Heritage and Community

The project emphasizes the enhancement of Milanese heritage through carefully designed structures that provide new social spaces. These additions resonate with the city's historical background while catering to present-day needs. Cafes, restaurants, and gathering areas are strategically placed along the waterfront to improve community interaction. This not only invites people to come together but also enriches the cultural atmosphere of the Navigli.

Mobility Focus

Mobility is another important topic within the design. The plan promotes the reorganization of transportation to support pedestrians and cyclists. By reducing reliance on cars, it aims to create safer and more accessible public spaces. This approach aspires to make the Navigli an inviting area, encouraging walking and cycling as primary means of movement through the neighborhood.

Visual Integration

The vision for the area includes various visual representations that highlight the relationship between users and the historical environment. These illustrations show how water features can encourage biodiversity, adding to the urban ecosystem. The design invites exploration, making the Navigli a significant resource for both cultural activities and leisure.

Every architectural detail contributes to the character of the site, preserving its historical significance while adapting to contemporary requirements. The Navigli is positioned to celebrate its past and offer a welcoming space for future generations.

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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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100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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