Italian Cities Revamp Historic Squares with Green and Sustainable Designs

In Pistoia, the MICROSCAPE architecture studio is redesigning Piazza San Lorenzo under the PNRR "San Lorenzo si rigenera" program. The plan adds continuous stone paving, tree-lined promenades, reduced traffic lanes and new seating to harmonise the three historic monuments surrounding the square while improving pedestrian flow and environmental quality.

In Milan, the "La Scuola Oasi" initiative transforms a school courtyard on via Sacchini into a resilient green oasis. Backed by food company Loacker and the environmental NGO Legambiente, the project introduces native planting, biodiversity features and educational spaces to address climate challenges and provide the local community with a sustainable public area.