Milan is set to gain a new school square in Via Gentilino, marking the fourth such initiative in Municipality 5. This project, spearheaded by a collaboration of local associations, aims to transform a 500-square-meter area in front of the Piolti De’ Bianchi Stamp school into a child-friendly space. The initiative was born from a proposal by the Parents’ Association of Gentilino Schools, the Thouar Gonzaga Comprehensive Institute, the City Mobility Foundation Ets, and the We Are Urban Odv Association.
Construction Begins and Traffic Changes Implemented
Works are scheduled to commence on Monday, May 18th, 2026. The initial phase will involve preliminary interventions in Piazza Tito Lucrezio Caro. From May 25th, the project will introduce two significant changes to local traffic. The first is the pedestrianization of the stretch of Via Gentilino between Via Balilla and Via Custodi. The second is the reversal of the direction of travel on Via Gentilino, specifically for the section between Via Balilla and Corso San Gottardo.
Urban Furnishings and Safety Enhancements
The installation of urban furnishings will begin in early June. Upon completion, the new school square will feature ten potted trees, three bicycle racks, two ping-pong tables, two regular tables, six benches, and three waste bins. These elements will be strategically placed to ensure access to driveways and allow transit for Milano Ristorazione vehicles and emergency services.
Furthermore, the project includes measures to enhance the safety of pedestrian crossings along home-school routes. It also aims to harmonize traffic light timings in the neighborhood to ensure smooth traffic flow. An artistic coloring of the pavement is planned for after the summer, with active involvement from the proposing committee, the local community, and the school community.
A Significant Addition to Milan’s Open Spaces
This initiative, supported technically by Amat and funded with approximately 40,000 euros, will be the 30th school square and the 63rd open city square in Milan. Upon the completion of the Via Gentilino school square, Milan’s open squares will collectively span over 86,000 square meters, an area comparable to twelve football fields distributed across the city’s nine Municipalities.
Source: milanotoday.it
