Milan's Fabbrica del Vapore to undergo €2M green transformation

Milan's Fabbrica del Vapore, a former tram maintenance factory turned contemporary culture hub, is set for a major green overhaul. The city council approved the "Rivoluzione Verde" project with a €2 million investment to redesign its outdoor spaces. The plan replaces paved surfaces with natural stone and drainage-friendly materials, adds dozens of Koelreuteria paniculata Fastigiata trees ("lantern trees") alongside existing ash and plane trees, and introduces low-maintenance native plants to boost biodiversity. Accessibility improvements include new ramps and pathways, while the Via Procaccini entrance will feature a more open gate. The central courtyard becomes a piazza-giardino for events with improved microclimate. However, surrounding areas still suffer from chaotic parking, risking a contrast between the green interior and urban disorder outside. The project stems from a broader reflection on cultural public spaces amid climate crisis and urban regeneration. Originally built in the early 1900s as Carminati & Toselli workshops for tram construction and repair, the complex was reclaimed by the City of Milan and transformed into a center for contemporary creativity, hosting exhibitions, festivals, concerts, and multidisciplinary activities.