Arup masterplan design for Bologna railway site redevelopment wins C40s Reinventing Cities competition

Arup is the lead architect and urban planner for real estate developer Nhood Services Italy, working with Politecnico di Milano as environmental expert and with a team of international and national stakeholders, on the masterplan for the city’s Ravone-Prati site, with a vision to deliver a nature-positive social housing development in the 9.38-hectare site. Arup’s sustainability consultants and specialists are also leading on the sustainable and environmental design as well providing social value and circular economy consultancy services.

Located about three kilometres to the north-west of the city, the Green Soul redevelopment proposal will integrate the Ravone-Prati district into the fabric of the city, with a new rail station and bridge reconnecting the area. The proposed masterplan design includes different affordable housing approach, with 270 private housing units and about 110 social housing units. The Ravone-Prati site regeneration design also ties in with the municipality’s ongoing regeneration programme, known as “Città della Conoscenza” (City of Knowledge).

Green Soul proposes a ‘nature-positive’ neighbourhood promoting a sustainable community and lifestyle, with an immersive green landscape of more than 40,000 square metres that enhances climate resilience. Circular economy principles also drive the architectural design for the site.

An energy-positive district, Green Soul's electricity needs will be met through an on-site photovoltaic plant with peak power of 1.9 MW, which will render operational emissions negative and enabling the district’s decarbonisation in 50 years.

Engaging the community will be key for a phased approach to site development. Gatherings will be headquartered in the Green Soul Hub, a laboratory for active citizenship, community welfare and the new economy.