Piazze Sonore

The Piazze Sonore project, centered around the schools on Via Corridoni and extending along Via Savarè and Via Respighi, emerges from a practical need to rethink vehicular and pedestrian circulation in an area frequented by a large number of children of all ages. Within just a few dozen meters, the neighborhood hosts several key educational institutions, including the Istituto Omnicomprensivo Musicale Statale (IOMS)—comprising Primary, Secondary, and High School levels—the Dandolo 5 Nursery School, the Milan Conservatory, the Leonardo Da Vinci Scientific High School, and the Galileo Galilei University Residence for students of the Milan Polytechnic, housed in Luigi Moretti’s renowned Rationalist complex.

The streets crisscrossing this area retain the narrow dimensions typical of Milan’s historic center, with predominantly one-way traffic and at-grade parking. During school entry and exit times, vehicular congestion directly overlaps with student foot traffic, particularly on Via Corridoni, where sidewalks are too narrow to comfortably accommodate children accompanied by their parents. Similar challenges arise on Via Dandolo and Via Savarè, both perpendicular to Via Corridoni, which also serve as key access points to schools.

The proposed intervention aims to transform this high-traffic area into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly public space, where the community can gather, play, and connect across generations. By integrating color, nature, and music, Piazze Sonore will foster a sense of belonging, turning a transitional space into a lively and cherished urban square. The project envisions a neighborhood-led transformation, where children, parents, and educators take an active role in shaping their environment. Through collective effort, Piazze Sonore seeks to demonstrate how reimagining urban priorities can create a safer, more inclusive, and forward-thinking city center.