Amid the transformations redefining Milan’s urban identity, the Giardini condivisi of Via Barrella, designed by Parcnouveau and promoted by RealStep, stand as a prime example of urban regeneration that integrates environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and community participation. Spanning over 6,000 m², the park adds a new dimension to the evolving Certosa District, located behind Milan Certosa station.
Anchored in Parcnouveau’s “landscapes for people” ethos, the project emerges as a spatial framework designed to foster social and intergenerational networks. The design process was informed by a participatory approach led by CSV Milano and Progetto Integrazione, where the local community actively shaped the project’s guidelines and priorities. This methodology translated collective needs into an organic, cohesive design in which every element serves specific social and functional purposes.
As Vincenzo Giannico, executive director of RealStep, explains, “The park on Via Barrella represents another milestone in the broader development of the Certosa District, where the urban regeneration process necessarily involves creating and aggregating communities. Designing the park through a process of listening, participation, and sharing will make it, once realized, a hub of social interaction and a neighborhood asset. For RealStep, this is the only sustainable approach to urban development.”
Parcnouveau’s design employs a green framework that not only defines and organizes spaces but also serves as the primary medium for creating a fluid, interconnected system. The park’s functional areas balance open and intimate spaces, offering a variety of experiences and uses. A tree-lined plaza for relaxation and contemplation complements multifunctional playgrounds and an outdoor sports area, encouraging physical activity and well-being.
Special attention was given to addressing the needs of all age groups. Children’s play areas coexist with a bocce court designed to foster intergenerational interaction and exchange. At the park’s core lies the shared gardens, which embody the project’s identity. These gardens address the dual goals of promoting self-sufficiency and strengthening community bonds. In addition to traditional plots, the area will host gathering spaces to encourage interaction and sustainable practices.
“Designing a project begins with understanding the site, its potential, and crafting a vision that meets the needs of those who will live it daily,” notes Margherita Brianza, founder of Parcnouveau. “For us, it is essential to think of the park as a social catalyst, adaptable to the evolving and diverse needs of its visitors. In this context, the green framework became the privileged material to enhance the synergy between specific areas, creating a seamless, interconnected space.”
This approach stands out for its ability to integrate bottom-up planning, actively involving the local community in shaping the project. As Marta Moroni, director of CSV Milano, points out, “Milan has long been experimenting with urban regeneration processes that significantly impact the city socially. These processes are often marked by top-down planning, failing to fully consider the communities that have always animated these territories. For this reason, with Progetto Integrazione and RealStep, we worked to realize a different paradigm, supporting the community in becoming an active and competent player in identifying territorial needs and translating them into creative initiatives.”
The project illustrates how public spaces can become laboratories for innovative practices, capable of addressing current challenges and embracing future opportunities. Through a design approach that combines aesthetic sensitivity and functionality, Parcnouveau and RealStep have created a space that is not only a place for interaction and community-building but also a model of sustainable urban living, inspiring new paradigms for the city of tomorrow. For more info: www.parcnouveau.com
