Creative Commune : URBAN NEST
Varedo | Monza | Italia
A Study of Rural Community Masterplanning
Client: Politecnico di Torino
Group: Melis Ekincikli, Cat Hargraves, Fanni Szecsenyi, Ada Uncu
[ TERRITORIAL ANALYSIS OF NORTHERN LOMBARDY, WITH ATTACHED URBAN ANALYSES OF VAREDO ]
URBAN ANALYSIS
The site and city of Varedo were analysed to define the elements required by the municipality/population. It is quite close to the major city of Milano; connected with both direct highway and railway. As it is a small city that lacks economical strategies and urban identity, this concept creates the perfect opportunity to develop a healthier economy within the area for younger generations.
CONCEPTUAL DEVELOPMENT
'Urban Nest' is designed to respect the environmental status of Varedo and the heritage of the site, by using as many of the existing buildings as possible and creating more public interaction spaces. The aim is to generate a feeling of acceptance by the community already living there and also create a new society, focused around young entrepreneurs and designers.
Urban Nest is intended as a startup community to encourage future growth. Focusing on the weaknesses in the Varedo demographic, we created a space that would attract a younger target to breath life back into the aging commune.
STRUCTURAL DETAILING
Building upon the old industrial site, there will be a new renovation of the Varedo station that allows pedestrian traffic to easily cross above the train line and connect with the greater neighbourhood via an Exhibition Square. This will connect into a Social Library where students and startups alike can hang out and research more to make their idea of design into a reality. This also includes areas for social events and presentations.
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The major new structure development are:
- Studio and Creation spaces that allow fabrication and formal meeting/work spaces for those who are looking for a more professional space.
- Marketplace Alley where small businesses can have semi-permanent rental spaces to sell their products.
[ SCHEMATIC MASTERPLAN AND PLANS OF THE MAJOR PUBLIC SQUARE - THE WINTER GARDEN ]
GREATER IMPACT
The origins of this idea come from the sociable weaver bird species, who work communally to build their nests and look out for one another. Over time this community grows and becomes more prosperous as a collective.
This approach aims to create connections between spaces and people, resulting in a more harmonious space to work. By creating new opportunities for graduates and entrepreneurs alike, Varedo can become a Creative Hub for the future expansion of the Milano district.
[ MASTERPLAN: 1 - INTERNAL COLLABORATION SPACES, 2 - RECREATION SQUARE, 3 - GALLERY WALKWAY, 4 - WINTER GARDEN ]
