Barrella common gardens, Milano

Cultivating bonds, together

Typology

Park

Program

Public place

Perspective

Biophilia Social Engagement

Location

45.509 632, 9.135 351

The project is proposed as an opportunity to redesign the concept of public space, creating a vibrant and dynamic environment that integrates nature and social relations into a cohesive, fluid urban experience.

The Shared Gardens on Via Barrella were established as a communal space designed to encourage interaction and collaboration. They were created to meet the needs of the local community and transform the area into an engaging and inviting green environment. Located in the heart of the Certosa Design District, the park is surrounded by a natural setting that delineates and links the various areas. This creates an inclusive atmosphere that fosters social interaction and encourages sustainable practices.

Spaces designed for all ages and needs alternate along the route. The entrance leads to a spacious intergenerational area, where a tree-lined square provides an oasis of relaxation, and the multifunctional playgrounds reimagine the fences, turning them into supports for play. Nestled among the green niches is an outdoor gym, a haven for those who enjoy physical activity in the fresh air, enhanced by equipment harmonised with the landscape. Venturing into the heart of the park, one discovers the area dedicated to shared vegetable gardens, which serve as a space for self-production and a genuine engine of social cohesion. Here, traditional horticultural plots are accompanied by areas for experimentation, with raised cultivation ponds ensuring accessibility and corners equipped for rest and conviviality.

At the opposite edge, the park integrates with the urban landscape through a space dedicated to gathering, particularly for young people. This area, closely connected to the future student residence on Via Barrella, has been designed as an open-air extension of community life—a place that during the day provides shaded spots for relaxation and social interaction, while in the evening it transforms into a versatile square, perfect for events and meetings. Linking these elements of the project are spaces intended to strengthen the connections between generations and various uses of the park: a play area for the youngest children, a bocce court that offers opportunities for supervision, and a multifunctional area that broadens the potential for use.