City on Water

Master degree thesis on integrated design in Milan contemporary housing projects

This project aims to link different territorial systems, from canals and big green areas to smaller urban parks and tree-lined roads. The masterplan answers this need with two different linear systems: the public space along the Naviglio Grande and the residential clusters. The linear park is a highly flexible public space which links together Porta Genova station and Milan green areas towards the Parco Agricolo Sud, a large park located outside the city. Buildings are placed in the west end of the area, in order to create a relation with the canal and to reduce land use, promoting public space extension. A double line of buildings is the background of a system made of longitudinal elements emphasizing the canal axis and allowing the park to run along the water. Each building is characterized by a clear typology, they are grouped in residential clusters enveloping the internal landscape. Block’s position and dimensions define different semi-public spaces within a walkable “backyard” system along the canal direction, which is spaced out by perpendicular facades. The high-rise building closes the system and marks the elevation of lower residential blocks with its public floor, characterized by a cantilever terrace as a new view deck for the city and the territory. Therefore, the project becomes part of the visual orientation system inside the city. The final shape of architecture is defined by the design management capability to gather mechanical plant, structure and materials in construction. In this way, site, design brief and construction are deeply related with the representation of architecture and the building communication on site.