THE HANGING GARDENS OF MILAN

Sovraparco, which literally means “over park”, is currently an important central hub for Milan in Piazzale Loreta, yet it is surrounded by urban infrastructure with no greenery and public spaces in site. In order to capitalise on a previously unexplored opportunity, LAD has decided to tackle the space and offer a modern architectural solution. The project will be seamlessly inserted into the space without imposing on the surrounding area.

LAD has proposed a hanging garden above the public space in the form of the roundabout’s circle. The design aims to restore the site’s original form from 1865 when it was originally a public plaza. The garden will fill the void and bring the space back to the public. Below, a busy underground junction would be transformed into a spacious sunken plaza.

Above, the garden will be protected by a reversed dome shape that blocks the view of the traffic while opening up to the sky. This ensures visitor are protected from pollution and noise, allowing for them to be secluded in a haven of greenery.

The garden would have two levels connected via ramps, with an oculus in the middle and looks into the plaza below.

The proposed aims to showcase how introducing greenspace into existing city infrastructure is the quickest and most efficient solution to creating more environmental public spaces without having to demolish and rebuild spaces.

Images © LAD