Mario Cucinella Architects reveals masterplan for Milan's Santa Giulia district

MCA – Mario Cucinella Architects has unveiled a masterplan for Milan's Santa Giulia district, a major urban regeneration project in the southeast quadrant of the city. The development, commissioned by Australian developer Lendlease, covers approximately 65 hectares of the 110-hectare area acquired from Risamento S.p.A. The plan includes over 3,500 residential units—ranging from market-rate housing to co-housing for students and seniors, and Build to Rent—alongside the PalaItalia arena designed by David Chipperfield Architects and Arup for the 2026 Winter Olympics, a second campus for the Milan Conservatory, a children's museum, commercial spaces, and the city's third-largest park. The design draws inspiration from leaf veins as a metaphor for adaptive ecosystems, with organic pathways acting as 'veins' feeding the system and built volumes blending with natural elements. Two main axes structure the pedestrian, cycling, and public transport routes: a diagonal axis connecting Piazza Tina Modotti to the north, and another along a future lake. Car traffic is relegated to the perimeter for connection with existing highways. Construction is expected to begin in 2024, with completion in 7–8 years and an estimated investment of over €3.5 million. This project reinforces MCA's presence in Milan, following their work on MIND, SeiMilano, Unipol headquarters, San Raffaele Hospital (2021), and Fondazione Luigi Rovati Museum (2022).