Five architects have put forward entries for the Scali Milano project (Milan rail yards), a community-reactivation masterplan headed by the local government.
China’s MAD Architects will compete with Holland’s Mecanoo Architecten, Spain’s Miralles Tagliabue EMBT and Italy’s Stefano Boeri Architetti and Cino Zucchi Architetti.
The aim of the project is to transform seven of Milan’s dilapidated railyards into "productive social landscapes that establish a harmony between Milan’s citizenry, the larger metropolitan region, and the natural environment".
MAD Architects proposed the "Historical Future: Milan Reborn" project with interconnected micro-systems conforming to five spatial concepts: "City of Connections," "City of Green," "City of Living," "City of Culture," and "City of Resources."
Stefano Boeri Architetti suggested an urban reforestation project with 90% of the area covered in green public space such as gardens, forests and bicycle paths with the firm predicting that it could generate 1,800 tonnes of oxygen.
Stefano Boeri Architetti’s proposal (Stefano Boeri Architetti)
Miralles Tagliabue EMBT envision each of the seven rail yards as a hub for a different activity.
Mecanoo has proposed "rapid transport linkages and fine-grained green pedestrian and cycling networks" with sustainable living, car free zones and social connectivity.
Cino Zucchi Architetti imagine the disused yards as a series of green spaces connected by winding public paths.
Proposals for the project were presented at this month’s Milan Design Week and were developed at a three-day open workshop in December 2016.
It’s unknown when a winning project will be chosen.
Top image: MAD Architects’ scheme (MAD Architects)
