An innovative form of hybrid park based on an incremental approach, with a mix of fruition spaces, agricultural and naturalistic areas, sports and play.
The Porada Park is part of a peri-urban area characterized by a high building density and the scarcity of green areas. The Brianza area is among the most densely urbanized areas in Italy.
In 1997 began a process of safeguarding of the few areas not built in the municipality of Seregno, with the foundation of the Central Brianza Park through an innovative law of Regione Lombardia, that allows the creation of park areas on the initiative of municipal administrations.
In a portion of about 50 hectares of this larger agricultural park, adjacent to sports facilities, the municipality promotes an innovative form of hybrid park based on an essential, incremental project, with a mix of fruition spaces, agricultural and naturalistic areas.
The project started with the acquisition of 20% of the area, in order to create a network of public areas on which to create the system of routes, the rows, limited forest areas, and the access system.
The park's design is developed through a chessboard of cycle and pedestrian paths, which still include productive agricultural areas.
In the following years the park develops in stages, drawing on various public funding. New areas continue to be acquired, today about a third of the area is still private. The user areas are strengthened through the creation of urban gardens, a service center, a play area, sports areas and fitness trails.
Resources needed
Regional funding FRISL 1996/97 di 750.000 euro
Funding from programme Urban Italia 2004 di 200.000 euro
Funding from programme Urban Italia II 2006 di 1.000.000 euro
Evidence of success
The success of the project is given by 3 elements: the incremental character of the project, the essential design of the general structure, the quantity of people and initiatives that animate the park.
The incremental approach of the project has allowed its implementation over time, while a unitary project would have made it impossible for a small municipality with limited financial resources.
The essential design has allowed the coexistence between fruition and agriculture.
Difficulties encountered
The main difficulty is to maintain the commitment over time to seek funding for implementation and to maintain the coherence of the project.
The lesson learned is that an incremental and simple project is more likely to be accomplished than an expensive and unitary project.
Potential for learning or transfer
The element of success is to have developed projects that can be increased over time, but with a clear and simple design from the beginning.
Many landscape projects in Italy and in particular in the territorial context of Milan metropolitan area are moving to carry out projects in stages, with a flexible economic framework, due to the limited funds available for local administrations and park entities.
The stated goal of many of these projects is also to be able to respond more flexibly to calls for tenders and funding, by applying for a project phase, thus making them more competitive under funding evaluation.
A second important and useful aspect for the partners is the flexibility of the landscape project, which, even in a framework of design and strategy, adapts and changes over time to better respond to changing needs and uses.
Tags: Environment, Agriculture, Health, Green, Urban, Transition, Leisure, Farming, Parks
