Milan Navigli
Canal Challenge

Reconnect proposes a network of superblocks where the car is only facilitated on a handful of primary arteries, where a ‘downgraded road network’ yields additional green and pedestrian space. The new ring structure brings new potential for the city’s bio system and new ways to experience the city, by providing additional social and quieter spaces to the urban fabric. According to the jury: “The kit of parts and a set of strategic approaches to the myriad moments in need of resolution distinguishes this project. The best practices from water cities like Amsterdam and Venice echo into a Milanese solid flair. The street section has been rethought from the ground up rationally and successfully. Conca dell'Incoronata is transformed into a vibrant new spot where water emerges as the protagonist.” The jury also noted that the illustrated map is beautiful in its dated quality and depiction of a unified site design concept, well developed program and section vignettes. There is a simple yet evocative graphic style to the panels, however the renderings do not match the chosen representation vocabulary. 

Resurgence provides new mobility networks along with a green ring that accompanies the canal. It proposes to bring people closer to nature with a park that extends from the canal that hosts a litany of new public programs. The jury writes: “Resurgence presents an ephemeral and dynamic landscape design integrated into the resurgence of the canal. This proposal is very well resolved with simple legible and well-articulated graphics. The use of catalogs to walk the reader through the design approach was impressive. The design creates a series of palatable experiences along the canal - the designer has developed a brand, an icon and overall image for the project. A modern, multi-faceted design, with a beautiful micro-design catalog. The exploration park around San Lorenzo is a truly high-quality urban playground.” One juror also noted that while the principles are thoughtful, the strategy could be clearer - each site has an identity but a common element that links all the various sites of the network together would be helpful. 

Revamping the Artery of Milan proposes a three-way approach through infrastructural overhaul along the canal, enhancement of greenery, and lifestyle change. Likening the current situation to a ‘disease’, it aims to enrich the city through healthy changes and cutting down on bad habits. The jury writes: “Eco-urban renaissance is a great approach for the city. This project creates an integrated transit node where water, metro, road, cycling and pedestrian intersect. It is a A project that perfectly frames the complexity of flows in a big city and, in a creative twist, links the rediscovery of Navigli with the metro line. An urban park that is not only imagined as a flourishing and lush garden but contains an exciting range of activities. Milan will benefit from it as it is implemented over time. It would benefit from such a greater variety of uses.”