Milan's Innovative Puerto Nuova District Shows What Future Urban Developments Can Be - Milan, Italy
What is It – Many cities have attempted to redevelop former industrial areas into modern business centers or turn them into public amenities such as stadiums or parks. One of the most ambitious revitalization projects undertaken in Europe was Milan’s effort to develop a large, abandoned railroad yard in northern part of the city. The master plan for the Puerto Nuova district was to combine residential, office, cultural and retail uses into a new neighborhood with a focus on public spaces, green spaces, and modern architecture concepts. After two decades of planning and municipal discussions, the Puerto Nuova’s team of architects and investors received approval of their design plans for the project.
The completed project now covers seventy-four acres of land with forty-nine of these acres devoted to open space and public parkland. Over 4,500 people are employed there. The construction and operation of the business district generates an estimated $1 billion Euros in economic activity during 2022 according to a recent study, making it one of Europe’s richest business districts. Each of the buildings located in the district has been certified LEED Gold and WELL Gold for their energy savings measures and environmental controls. The project also received numerous architectural awards for its avant garde and innovative designs.
What You Will See Here
There are many different components to the Puerto Nuova district. Some of the more innovative things you will see there are:
UniCredit Tower – The UniCredit tower complex features three office towers including a 31-story primary building which is the tallest structure in Italy. Among the major corporations located in the towers are three Fortune 500 companies – Alfa Romeo, Pirelli, and Techint - along with Versace. The tower is elevated to permit “invisible” traffic to flow through a tunnel beneath the plaza located at the base of the three buildings. Meanwhile, pedestrians walk up gradual ramps to an open plaza and the tower.
High Rise Residential Vertical Forest- Many people have been fascinated by the two high rise residential towers filled with lush greenery. The units in these buildings have ten-foot-long balconies which offer shade to the floors below but also contain ninety distinct species of trees, flowers, and shrubs. This vertical forest is equivalent to a 78-acre forest and is capable of absorbing thirty tons of carbon dioxide each year.
BAM Park- The Bibliotheca Alben Milano Park is a 25-acre section of the district laid out with clusters of green space, ponds, fountains, play areas, pedestrian paths, and trees. It is used for workers to relax at lunch, and people to bike, jog and walk their dogs.
Piazza Gae Aulenti- The large plaza at the base of the tower provides a connection for residents of other neighborhoods to access the BAM Park, the Tower, or the amenities of the plaza itself. These include a circular walkway, a 300-foot-long stone bench, a fountain, and public art displays. The ground floors of the adjacent Tower buildings contain retail stores, cafes, and other businesses. Taken together, the plaza creates an open door for everyone in Milan to take in the beauty of this unique district.
Activities- The grounds of the district are used for over two hundred activities each year which allow the people living, working, or visiting the Nuova District to participate in fitness, food, art, and music.
How to Get Here – There are direct flights to Milan from New York, Chicago and Atlanta and the city can be reached through connections at other major European cities. Once you arrive in Milan, Puerto Nuova is a twenty-minute walk from the Duomo or the city’s Central Train Station. In addition, the Metro system has two stops nearby.
When to Go - Milan has a climate that is typical of Northern Italy. Summers are hot with temperatures in the 80s and a modest amount of rain. Autumns and spring are temperate with temperatures in the 60s. Winters are colder with an average of seven days of snow each year and frequent fog conditions. The city can be quite crowded, and costs can be high during the Milan Formula One race or Fashion Week, so check the events schedule before booking your trip.