A new gateway to the city

The concept is based on a poetic yet pragmatic vision: alongside Milan’s eleven historic gates, a symbolic twelfth – Porta Merlata – is introduced as a new threshold towards a more sustainable, connected and inclusive city. DVArea’s proposal creates a dialogue between the urban dimension of the boulevard and the natural character of the adjacent park through a composition of three tower buildings and three linear buildings, interpreting contemporary living through a distinctive architectural language.

The permeability of the ground floor, which connects the buildings with the surrounding public realm, is one of the project’s key elements. A series of architectural cuts generates accessible and continuous public spaces, enhancing the relationship between the urban fabric and the landscape. The “monumental staircase” leading to Porta Merlata becomes an iconic feature and a connective device, guiding people from the boulevard towards the park. The theme of water further contributes to a strong identity: a landscape feature that separates and protects private areas while enriching the overall urban experience.

From a design perspective, the use of parametric tools from the early concept stages enabled the exploration of multiple residential solutions, optimised to meet requirements for modularity, spatial efficiency, budget constraints and typological diversity. Structural and MEP design strategies are strongly oriented towards environmental sustainability, incorporating low-impact concrete, recyclable materials and reversible construction systems based on the principles of Design for Disassembly. This approach is complemented by an advanced building services strategy integrating geothermal energy, photovoltaic systems, air biofiltration technologies, rainwater reuse, advanced home automation and infrastructure for electric mobility.