MST internship PROJECT

1. Introduction

The Milan Street Trees internship was carried out within the Landscape Architecture – Land, Landscape and Heritage Master’s Programme at the Politecnico di Milano.
The project aimed to analyse, document, and reinterpret the role of street trees within the urban fabric of Milan, with a particular focus on ecological connectivity, environmental performance, and cultural identity.

A total of 1,700 hours of collective work were dedicated to the initiative.

2. Methodology and Work Structure

The internship activities were organised into five main components:

• Tree Census Data Analysis – 10%
• QGIS Mapping and Spatial Analysis – 30%
• Historical Research – 10%
• Field Research and Design Proposals – 35%
• Ecosystem Services Assessment – 15%

The research covered 13 areas of the city, resulting in the survey of 1,432 streets, of which 222 were identified as tree‑lined (15.5%).

3. Strategic Role of Green Corridors in Milan

Urban green corridors represent a fundamental component of Milan’s ecological and social infrastructure. Their functions can be grouped into three main categories:

3.1 Reconnect – Spatial and Social Connectivity

• Linking fragmented green areas
• Strengthening ecological corridors
• Supporting active mobility networks

3.2 Resilience

• Mitigating urban heat through air cooling
• Improving air quality
• Enhancing biodiversity
• Contributing to CO₂ sequestration

3.3 Revive – Culture and Identity

• Encouraging public life and social well‑being
• Creating continuous tree‑lined itineraries
• Reinforcing urban memory and local identity

4. Design Proposals

As part of the internship, students developed conceptual proposals for reimagining and enhancing Milan’s tree‑lined streets. The selected streets and squares include:

1. Via dei Mercanti
2. Corso Buenos Aires
3. Viale Edoardo Jenner
4. Via Monreale
5. Via Foppa
6. Via Odoardo Tabacchi
7. Viale Corsica
8. Viale Regina Giovanna
9. Viale Sarca
10. Via Sidney Sonnino
11. Piazza Leonardo da Vinci
12. Via Tito Livio
13. Via Feltre

These proposals explore opportunities for improving ecological performance, pedestrian comfort, and the overall landscape quality of Milan’s streets.