Milan’s Piazza Gasparri to be Transformed into a ‘Playable Square’
Milan, May 7 – Piazza Gasparri in the Comasina district is slated for a significant redevelopment, transforming it into a vibrant ‘playable square’ with an emphasis on pedestrian spaces, expanded green areas, and innovative playgrounds. The project, announced by Palazzo Marino, follows several other urban renewal initiatives across the city, including the recent plans for Piazza Spoleto-Venini.
Focus on Pedestrians, Greenery, and Children
The redevelopment aims to regenerate pedestrian areas, increase green spaces, and install sustainable and innovative play equipment. This particular intervention is part of the broader project ‘Widespread Play Areas for More Sustainable Public Spaces’ and is funded through the national program ‘Metro plus and medium-sized southern cities 2021-2027,’ secured by the Municipality of Milan.
Phased Implementation Commences Mid-May
Work is scheduled to begin in mid-May and will proceed in two phases. The initial phase, lasting approximately seven months, will concentrate on paving and urban furnishings. This includes resurfacing the square with draining concrete, restoring paved areas with porphyry, extraordinary maintenance of the perimeter walls of flowerbeds, and upgrading public lighting systems. The staircase adjacent to the Don Paolo Gastaldi garden will be replaced by a larger green area and a pedestrian ramp, enhancing accessibility and preventing irregular parking.
Redevelopment to Begin in Early 2027
The second phase, focusing on the actual requalification, is set to commence in early 2027. This stage will involve planting new trees and installing a play area with five elements, designed based on the input gathered from local children. The play equipment will primarily be constructed from sustainable and natural materials.
Children’s Input Shapes Playground Design
The selection of play equipment is a direct result of a participatory process that engaged children from the neighborhood. Workshops conducted by Amat, with the support of Fondazione Aquilone, utilized playful co-design activities to collect the preferences of the younger residents. The project was thus developed with significant community involvement, including contributions from Municipality 9 and the Comasina Neighborhood Committee.
Creating a ‘Playable Square’ for All
Marco Mazzeri, Councillor for Public Space, explained that the objective is to create a ‘playable square’ – a public space specifically designed to meet the needs of children. Gaia Romani, Councillor for Neighborhoods, added that such interventions have a clear vision: “New pedestrian spaces and play areas designed with the direct contribution of children, in constant dialogue with the Municipalities. A process that puts people at the center and strengthens the sense of community in the neighborhoods.”
This project underscores Milan’s commitment to creating more inclusive and child-friendly urban environments, fostering a stronger sense of community and providing sustainable recreational spaces for its residents.
Source: https://www.milanotoday.it/attualita/riqualificazione-piazza-gasparri-giocabile.html
