A forest to feel well among the skyscrapers

The official inauguration will be next October: on that occasion it will be possible to stroll among the 90 thousand plants distributed on over 9 hectares of fields, vegetable gardens and circular woods that form the Milan Biblioteca degli Alberi (Tree Library). The new forest at the foot of the skyscrapers that surround Piazza Gae Aulenti is the third wide park in Milan city centre, and it is already a landmark in the city heart. A large modern botanical garden that will play a strategic role in urban connection. The project is by Dutch landscape designer Petra Blaisse, Studio Inside-Outside, the works are directed by the Milan firm AG&P Greenscape, with Studio Ceruti and Gae Engineering. The overall investment is 14 million euros. The Biblioteca degli Alberi includes blossomy fields, paths to be used for open markets and shows, circular forests for strolls in an unexpectedly fresh air, tree foliage for games and picnics with children. The idea is gathering single species to create “vegetable rooms” illuminated differently to the rest of the vegetation; mini-forests that you can reach by routes and paths close to underground and bus stops, cycle and pedestrian lanes.
«Creating a park that will be really public and that will link all of the city communities, with 5 kilometres of cycle lanes and around 170.000 square metres of pedestrian lanes in the greenery», the Dutch landscape designer explains her dream come true.

Giuliana Zoppis