Greening cities and buildings for climate resilience: Lessons from Lambrate Park District in Milan (Italy)

Abstract

The Lambrate Park District project, developed within the Reinventing Cities international design competition framework, became an opportunity to exemplify an original approach to urban regeneration that focuses on the need for green buildings and spaces. The main objective of the paper is to identify effective design strategies to mitigate the heat island effects and the improvement of air quality at the local scale. Hence, alongside the development of the individual buildings included in the comprehensive masterplan, characterized by high environmental standards, these strategies applied to the project also led to extensive efforts in enhancing the outdoor spaces to elevate environmental well-being at the neighbourhood level further. Additionally, the implementation of mesoscale optimization techniques contributed to enhance the performance of the buildings themselves. Through chrono-topic mitigation and urban cooling strategies, Lambrate Park District prioritizes green spaces and vegetation to enhance outdoor comfort naturally and improve the performance of buildings (energy efficiency and thermal comfort). Strategically selected trees mitigate air pollution and enhance resilience to climate change, contributing to microclimate regulation. Simulations using ecosystem, daylight, and thermal modelling (InVEST, LadyBug, and Honeybee) software demonstrate the area’s performance in improving cooling capacity and thermal comfort, showcasing the project’s adaptability to future climatic challenges. Architectural strategies ensure building resilience and flexibility, aligning with the competition’s goal of sustainable urban development. By integrating vegetation and shading strategies, Lambrate Park District offers comfortable outdoor spaces year-round, fostering biodiversity and enhancing urban livability. The project highlights the potential of green infrastructure in creating healthier, more resilient buildings, districts and cities.