Santa Giulia Masterplan

Milan, Italy, 2003

A world class scheme for a world class city, the Milano Santa Giulia Masterplan reveals an inclusive vision for the future of all cities. These ideals are applied at the local level to create a masterplan that brings global vision, yet is exclusive to the topography of Milan. Co-architects: URBAM, RAUM SRL, Paolo Caputo Partnership, Planikon AG - Arch. Castore

A world class scheme for a world class city, the Milano Santa Giulia Masterplan reveals an inclusive vision for the future of all cities. These ideals are applied at the local level to create a masterplan that brings global vision, yet is exclusive to the topography of Milan. It is both a paradigm for clean, integrated and sustainable future living and a rare opportunity to create a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood that builds on the unique urban tradition of the city. Transforming the formerly industrial area in the south-east, Milano Santa Giulia is a new gateway on the scale of New Yorks Battery Park City and Londons Canary Wharf. The first major intervention in Milan for over 50 years, this urban centre combines housing, offices, shops, restaurants and cafes with cultural facilities such as a Congress Centre and Exhibition Hall. Essential to the logic of the masterplan is the creation of generous green spaces and a large central park that is a green lung of the city. By combining compact, dense and vibrant environments with open, green breathing space, nature is balanced with urbanity to create a beautiful and safe public realm. The 1.1 million square metre site consists of three distinct pieces of land with different historical industrial uses. The project turns these derelict and divided areas into a unified, coherent and organic whole. Served by an excellent transport infrastructure, Milano Santa Giulia is highly accessible by road, air and train. Additionally, a tramline runs through the site, and links the subway station to the centre of Milan. Designed for a diverse and rich mix of residents and visitors, public space is fundamental. A 480-metre long central Promenade, with an integral relationship to a series of public squares, is the heart of the development. Punctuated at each end by the Congress Centre and multiplex cinema, it will provide a principal pedestrian route through the site. The width has been set to 24m to allow for the tramline, greenery and water features in addition to the pedestrian paths, while retaining the sense of scale and intimacy typical of Milanese pedestrian shopping streets. The 6m wide colonnade creates covered spaces on either side, which permits all weather use of this external space. The materials will make contemporary use of traditional materials such as stone, building on the renowned architectural traditions of Milan, in the creation of a new cultural and commercial nucleus. Client: Milano Santa Giulia S.p.A., Mr Zunino Consultants: MSC Associati S.r.l., Larry Smith Italia, Progettisti Associati s.p.a., West8, Ariatta, Battle McCarthy, Studio Tecnico Zaccarelli, TRM