Urban Waterlines
Theme Studio
Urban Waterlines expands its exploration of industrial waterlines to the Mediterranean, focusing on a harbour city shaped by large-scale infrastructure, maritime development, and industrial heritage. Projects will investigate the dynamic edges of land and sea, addressing the intersections of work, production, and sustainable urban living, and design large-scale masterplans and strategical interventions. In this context, we critically examine the global trend of transforming industrial waterfronts into high-cost homogeneous residential neighborhoods, seeking innovative alternatives that integrate diverse uses beyond housing, including production, public spaces, and ecological restoration, ensuring these waterline areas remain vibrant, inclusive, and resilient to climate change. We emphasize creative, socially inclusive solutions that are sensitive to circular economies, bold in their vision, and grounded in sustainability.
Teaching methodology
Join us to reimagine the Mediterranean’s urban waterlines as spaces of interaction, productivity, and ecological harmony. In this studio we foster a collaborative and open culture where we reflect on real-world challenges with an optimistic standpoint. Through future literacy, we equip students with methodologies and tools to deal with present and future challenges within the context of urban design and planning. By embedding ourselves in the city, we gain nuanced perspectives for our design proposals, ensuring they are relevant and forward-thinking. Our aim is to prepare students for independent diploma projects and a future sensible and responsible practice in design and research.
Teachers: Elena Carlini, Francesca Savio