Winning team: Alpha Vortex winners

Team members: Muhammed Ensar Unsal, Doga Akac, Priyanjal Tiwari | Sapienza University of Rome

Advisor: Mosè Ricci with Diana Ciufo, Sude Salahor, Zoe Gabrielli | Sapienza University of Rome

The Alpha Vortex team turned an urban challenge into a sustainable design opportunity, reimagining Milan-Segrate’s Green Kilometre as a living corridor that reflects principles of ecology, inclusion and innovation. Their winning proposal, EcoLoops, establishes a continuous ecological network by linking existing green spaces and integrating green atriums, community gardens and climate-responsive systems. The design goes beyond architecture, prioritising the interconnection of nature, people and urban life, while embedding long-term resilience into the district. Through this holistic approach, EcoLoops demonstrates how youth-led ideas can provide scalable solutions to heal, connect and inspire cities worldwide.

"It's all about creating a place that supports the nature, people and long term wellbeing of all residents".

Congratulations to all teams that participated! Check out the documentation tab to view the winning team's proposal. 

Special mention, Second Place | Catur Tunggal, Universitas Gadjah Mada

Team members:  Immanuel Satya Dharma, William Wijaya, Jaap Charlos Wakur, Muhammad Zaki Fauzan

Advisor: Rezza Rahdian, Universitas Gadjah Mada

Special mention, Third Place | Saka Nusantara, University of Gadjah Mada

Team members: Muhammad Al Farisy, Nabiha Abrar, Kayzha Shafira Ramadhani,Octaviani Widya Pradipta
Advisor: Dr. Widi Cahya Yudhanta, Gugusgagas Studio Architectural

Presentation of the site

Milan's green belt will be further strengthened in the coming years by creating the Green Kilometre in Segrate, the eastern gateway to the city.  Segrate, a municipality of approximately 35,000 residents, spans 17 km2, with nearly 5 km2 dedicated to parks and artificial water basins. It is a polycentric city composed of seven neighbourhoods, each equipped with schools, civic centres, and sports facilities.

The entire territory is undergoing a major transformation to enhance liveability and sustainability. Central to this transformation is the Green Kilometre project. As part of the Horizon Europe Project ReGreeneration in collaboration with C40 Cities, the Green Kilometre focuses on depaving Road Cassanese and promoting soft mobility to connect surrounding residential neighbourhoods and enhance green spaces. In this context, the project area, situated in the Marconi artisanal and industrial district, occupies a strategic position along the Green Kilometre and within these new development plans. Through this competition, Segrate seeks innovative proposals for student housing, addressing a critical need in the broader metropolitan area of Milan.

Key Information: 

The project site is made up of a public and a private area. The first part includes the only public property inside the Marconi district (Baraonda Social Centre) and the public asphalt parking in its proximity. The second part includes the two privately owned warehouses located between the Baraonda and the future Green Kilometre. Part of the site is also the connecting streets to the main asset. 

Priority areas & main expectations: The project emphasises the integration of student housing and the enhancement of public and private spaces within the area. Improvements should focus on increasing permeability through depaving, expanding green cover to provide shade and mitigate heat islands, incorporating nature-based solutions to enhance environmental resilience, and promoting soft mobility by establishing pedestrian- and cycle-friendly connections.

Beyond addressing the specific needs of the site, the project must also demonstrate scalability and replicability, offering a model for transformation that can be applied to other industrial areas within the same neighbourhood or across the city. This approach ensures that the project's impact contributes to a broader urban regeneration strategy.