Future of Urban Design: From Grey to Green
Discovering Milan's Urban Transformation on a two-day tour organized by the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO) and LAND in November
How can cities respond to climate change while improving quality of life, strengthening economic competitiveness and creating more resilient urban environments? What does it take to transform former industrial sites into thriving neighborhoods, connect green infrastructure with mobility, and turn ambitious visions into reality?
Together with the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO), LAND invites Austrian companies, institutions and professionals working in urban development, infrastructure, energy, innovation and planning to join the two-day tour Future of Urban Design: From Grey to Green exploring Milan’s urban transformation through the lens of landscape, regeneration and Nature-based Solutions.
Over the past two decades, Milan has become one of Europe’s leading examples of urban regeneration. Former industrial districts, underused infrastructures and fragmented public spaces have been transformed into vibrant mixed-use neighborhoods, internationally recognized landscape projects and innovative green-blue infrastructure. The city demonstrates how strategic planning, landscape architecture and Nature-based Solutions can work together to improve quality of life while enhancing climate resilience and economic competitiveness.
Rather than a conventional study visit, Future of Urban Design is designed as an immersive learning experience. Curated by Andreas Kipar, the program combines visits to pioneering projects, including MIND – Milano Innovation District, the university district Milano Bicocca, and the smaller towns of Arese and Pavia, with direct exchanges with the planners, designers, public institutions, researchers and developers who have actively shaped these transformations.
Participants will gain first-hand insights into planning strategies, governance models, implementation processes and long-term management approaches, exploring topics such as climate adaptation, green infrastructure, sustainable mobility, circular urban development and biodiversity enhancement. Through on-site discussions and peer-to-peer dialogue, Austrian and Italian experts will exchange experiences, compare challenges and identify opportunities for future collaboration.
The tour is designed to inspire new perspectives while building lasting professional connections. By bringing together local key players and international participants, it creates a unique platform for knowledge exchange and demonstrates how integrated planning approaches can be adapted to different territorial contexts.
Whether you are a planner, policymaker, designer, investor or infrastructure expert, Future of Urban Design: From Grey to Green offers a unique opportunity to experience Milan through the people and projects driving its transformation, and to take home practical ideas for shaping more resilient, Nature-Positive and future-ready cities.
Registration is open until 16 October 2026. Find the full program and registration details here:
