Milan

Milan faces a complex urban challenge shaped by decades of car-centric planning and infrastructure. A significant portion of public space is underused or dominated by vehicular traffic, with intersections, squares, and streets often functioning as transit zones or parking areas rather than places for community interaction. The city’s high rate of car ownership and reliance on private vehicles contribute to persistent traffic congestion, noise, and air pollution, affecting both environmental quality and public health.

These conditions are particularly acute around schools and residential neighbourhoods, where heavy traffic compromises safety, discourages walking and cycling, and limits children’s autonomy. The presence of cars in almost every corner of the urban landscape has significantly reduced the availability of shared, accessible, and welcoming spaces for daily life and social interaction.

Additionally, the fragmentation of public space and its limited usability have contributed to a weakening of neighbourhood identity and cohesion. As Milan continues to grow and evolve, these spatial and environmental issues highlight the urgency of rethinking how public spaces are used, who they serve, and how they can support a healthier, more inclusive, and sustainable urban life for all residents—especially the most vulnerable.

Piazze Aperte is a public space initiative that aligns with the goals of the Milan 2030 Agenda, aiming to foster a more sustainable, accessible, and equitable urban environment. The project reimagines underused or car-dominated spaces—particularly around schools—as places for social interaction, everyday activities, and community gathering

Interventions are designed to promote social cohesion by creating inclusive spaces that serve both current residents and future generations. These spaces are equipped with low-cost, adaptable urban elements, developed through participatory processes involving residents, children, educators, and local organizations.

The project addresses several key objectives: transforming streets and squares into shared, multifunctional areas; enhancing children’s independence through safer, healthier environments; encouraging sustainable travel modes such as walking, cycling, and public transit; and raising awareness about air pollution, climate change, and traffic-related risks.

By reducing car use and moderating vehicular speed, especially near schools, the program contributes to improved air quality and road safety. It also promotes collaborative governance through models of shared administration, fostering a culture of civic responsibility in the stewardship of public space.

The Piazze Aperte program has contributed significantly to reshaping public space in Milan by repurposing car-dominated areas into more accessible, healthier environments.

Through the introduction of bike lanes, pedestrian zones, and 30 km/h speed limits, the initiative promotes sustainable mobility and encourages a renewed relationship between residents and their urban surroundings.

A key aspect of the project is its participatory model, which redefines institutional practices by fostering collaboration between the City Council, local administrations, and citizens.

Two public calls were launched to identify potential intervention areas, inviting proposals from a broad spectrum of civic actors—associations, educational institutions, businesses, and individuals.

The 2020 call resulted in 65 proposals, of which 45 were implemented. Participation included 800 residents, 200 non-profit organizations, 17 schools, and 72 businesses, among others. The 2023 call, focused on school-related public spaces, engaged 250 schools and 600 proponent groups.

These proposals included 60 new squares, 73 sidewalk or pedestrian area extensions, 57 speed moderation measures, 43 activations of underutilized spaces, and 34 cycling infrastructure improvements.

Although only four of the 87 school-related proposals have been completed so far, the implementation schedule targets three new squares per quarter.

The project’s impact lies not only in the physical transformation of space but also in the institutionalization of shared urban governance.

By integrating local knowledge and collective stewardship into the design and management of public areas, Piazze Aperte establishes a replicable model of inclusive urban regeneration with measurable environmental and social benefits.