Inspiring Cities is a captivating narrative of images and conversations with leading international architects, designers, urban planners, and landscape architects, exploring the future of urban living
When we discuss the cities of the future, we are not only considering the architecture that will shape the skyline of the coming decades but also the ways in which we will live, move, and interact within increasingly dynamic urban environments. Inspiring Cities, a volume edited by Fulvio Irace (Skira Editions), delves into this reflection, beginning with an extraordinary visual and narrative portrayal of Milan’s transformation. The book features the works of two iconic photographers: Gabriele Basilico and Iwan Baan. Basilico’s images, capturing Milan in the final decades of the 20th century, are juxtaposed with Baan’s photographs, offering a glimpse of a metropolis in continuous evolution.
Photo courtesy of Iwan Baan
Inspiring Cities, presented by COIMA on the occasion of its 50th anniversary, is not merely a visual chronicle; it is a comprehensive project that features 30 in-depth interviews with prominent international architects and professionals. These conversations explore not only the interviewees' projects in Milan but also their broader visions for the cities of the near future—cities that must address global megatrends such as environmental sustainability, smart mobility, and rapid urbanization. How can cities evolve in a sustainable and inclusive way? The insights from these distinguished architects provide a 360° perspective that goes beyond the mere construction of buildings. With COIMA’s contribution, we also present a series of short video interviews on Fuorisalone TV, where some of the most renowned figures in contemporary architecture reflect on the future of urban living. The series features voices such as Petra Blaisse, Mario Cucinella, Colin Koop, Patricia Viel, Christopher Choa, and Stefano Boeri, among others.
Photo courtesy of Iwan Baan
With its iconic neighborhoods—such as Portanuova, Porta Romana, Farini Valtellina, and the Falck areas of Sesto San Giovanni—Inspiring Cities does not merely celebrate past successes; it looks toward the future, asking what more a city can do to remain truly attractive. While the book primarily focuses on Milan as a model of urban development, it also highlights The Unwritten Chapter: Next 50 Years, a section that remains open for future contributions. This space, set to be filled in the coming months, will feature the results of an online survey conducted by COIMA, exploring the perceptions and expectations of younger generations regarding the cities of tomorrow. You can participate in the survey. Another key element of this evolving chapter will come from the University Hackathon, which engaged young university talents in designing the cities they envision living in. This innovative project will provide valuable insights into the future of urban living from the perspectives of the next generation.
Tag: Rigenerazione urbana Architecture Milan Design
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