Turning old into new is the motto of the city of Milan, Italy. But in a pioneering way. That's why the city is currently pursuing a series of construction projects that will redesign or repurpose old buildings to meet today's needs. "Forrest in Town" is one such project.
Residential complex with special courtyard garden
In the district of Barona, a suburb of Milan, the former Galbani factory and an old farmhouse between the canal Naviglio Grande and the headquarters of the University of Milan are being transformed into residential buildings covering an area of 10,000 square meters. There will be 89 apartments of various sizes, all facing a 5,000 square meter landscaped courtyard. The name itself "Forrest in town" indicates the size of the garden that will be created.
The complex, promoted by Gruppo Building and designed by Daniele Fiori's architectural firm Dfa Partners in collaboration with the Turin studio Boffa Petrone & Partners (Bp+p), aims at reducing environmental impact while contributing to the care of residents.
Hydroponic garden for residents
In an area of 250 square meters, below the central garden, a hydroponic plant is being created, where well water is reused to grow small leaf vegetables for the residents' own consumption, without the use of pesticides. This plant uses no soil at all.
