ECO METAMORPHOSIS | A convergence of Health, Culture & Sport

Politecnico di Milano, Polytechnic University of Milan, School of Design

Project idea

Concept Development- The concept development phase for the project was based primarily on the previous studies done for Milan and the San Cristoforo Zone collectively to understand the green systems and other infrastructural aspects in and around the site and the vision that the municipality and the government hold for its future.
As strategies for the promotion of urban health in the city, the Green ring Vision 2030 for Milan is to turn nature into infrastructure and a system on green lungs and liveable spaces that are accessible for all. The Milan 2030 plan is not revolutionary due to the dramatic increase in green areas but the desire to turn nature into infrastructure and a system.

To develop the master plan, the overall concept followed is of the green rays and then a set of rules designed to obtain the forms and spaces. The central spine already divides the site into major zones and then a set of grids derived from the existing context is extended. The set of existing grids is then added with another layer of grid aligned towards the agricultural lands. To further enrichen the plan another layer of the grid of ecotone was added to diffuse the two entities- the densely built and the vast agricultural lands.

Project description

Functions Zoning- Several possible breakdowns of functions were listed individually considering the three main disciplines. Followed by a careful combination of the functions for a balanced network of systems generated for the area. The main axes were formed keeping overall connectivity in mind. The important intersections were marked as possible design nodes to develop further. The major zoning of built forms to be channelled more towards the northern end while the open to nature functions are proposed to be placed in the southern end to link the available abundant greens with the site. Within the site as a fundamental design strategy, the generous presence of the green and its network will play as a link between the different areas within the site and create a pedestrian-friendly destination and promote walkability in the site.

The site has an abundance of dense green patches and the presence of urban farms. The design has been developed keeping this as the main feature. The green rays, the dense green and urban farms play a vital role in shaping the spaces. The environment hence achieved is a space which evokes the highest sense of contemplation/sense of wonder.
The identified nodes in the immediate context are connected to each other with a central spine and act as the lifeline for all the built-up and green areas. Various activities are meant to happen at the same time bringing more and more variety and life to the neighbourhood.

Functional Breakdown- Multidisciplinary approach has been adopted for developing the master plan of the site considering healthcare,
cultural and sports facilities as primary functions aided with other contemporary functions such as food & beverages zone, libraries, zones for cultural events etc. Although different functions co-exist together in the site, much stress has been given not to localise any one function in any of the zones instead blend the functions homogenously in the site.

Technical information

Anatomy of the Rays- The three rays that are generated to connect the surrounding ecological elements divide the site into three zones where the built area is designed using a multidisciplinary approach, blending different functions together resulting in a homogenous urban development. All the buildings/spaces are accessible by the rays encircling the big public plaza with a wide range of public functions and urban experiences such as the cultural platforms, performing gardens, water elements, running/ jogging track & green boulevards.

The Landscape- The design approach for the masterplan was to reinforce the Milan Vision 2030 strategy of green networks throughout the city. The green rays emerging from the site and extending itself to blend with the neighbourhood, the dedicated green zones, hubs and attractors, enhances the connectivity, effective place-making and creating gratifying boulevards and spaces for all to enjoy.
The green network will accommodate varying flows of movement, humanizing the space as well as promote intuitive way-finding and legibility. The focus was to maintain the existing dense green volumes in the masterplan as well as having several other green zones with various other functions such as urban farms, performance gardens, meditation gardens and transitional greens.
Different species of flora and fauna has been used in different areas of the intervention. For example, locally available trees with larger foliage like Field Elms have been used for the green arm crossing throughout the site and penetrating the neighbourhood. While exotic flowering plants like Prunus Serulata has been used to highlight areas and for better way-finding.

Design Strategies-

Multiple Entrance
The buildings have two entry points where one entrance is directly accessible from the vehicular roads while the second entrance opens up in the central court to the semi-public space allowing the users to access the whole complex easily.

Dedicated Public Platforms
The buildings have been designed with dedicated public platforms acting as spill-out spaces for the users. These platforms are at the same level of pedestrian walkways and are marked with the use of different materials.

Green Roofs & Accessible Terraces
The buildings are designed with extended podiums that step back to create accessible green terraces enhancing the overall user experience while positively reinforcing the ideas of urban health.

Atriums & Inner Voids
All building entrances and central spaces are accompanied with double heights and atriums respectively to make interior spaces more breathable, permeable and adds to the playfulness of different levels.

Breathable Inner Courts
An additional layer of green is added to the inner voids and double-height spaces that enhance the quality of interior spaces and improves the user experience at the same time.

Co-authors

Waleed Ashraf Hashem Muhammad Elshazly (Egypt), Sanchit Lal (India), Ahmed Abdelrahman Saad Elsaid Ghazy (Egypt), Seda Yildiz (Turkey)