The park
The new SmartCityLife management
- SQM OF PARKLAND178.000
- TREES2000
A flagship feature of the CityLife district is its vast green area, spanning 178,000 square metres of parkland.
This vast green space hosts one of Milan’s eight “Green Rays”, a core element of the city’s environmental policy, connecting Parco Sempione with the Expo area, linking the woodlands in the north to the fertile plains in the south. In the 2008 international competition, landscape studios were invited to develop designs under the themes of a “sustainable park”, a “symbolic park” and a “connecting park”. The winning project, “A Park Between the Mountains and the Plants,” was designed by the UK-based studio Gustafson Porter and further developed by Margherita Brianza, founder of the landscape architecture firm P’arcnouveau. The landscape design takes shape around the towers, which form the heart of the CityLife masterplan. To the north, the park extends into clearings and wooded areas. To the south, a water channel evokes the traditional spring fed irrigation systems typical of the Po Valley landscape. Beyond offering an open-air space for public enjoyment, the project also serves to protect certain plant species, effectively creating a genetic reserve for biodiversity. The selection of plants in CityLife’s green spaces prioritises native species, ensuring diversity in colour, size, and seasonal behaviour, creating a dynamic visual experience that changes throughout the year and at different times of the day.
Gli Orti Fioriti
Created through a partnership between CityLife and the Orticola di Lombardia Association, the Orti Fioriti are a landscape project designed by Filippo Pizzoni and realized with Susanna Magistretti from Cascina Bollate. Since opening in 2015, this 4,000-square-meter green space has become a true urban garden in the heart of Milan, promoting Italian horticultural tradition and sustainability. Managed by Cooperativa del Sole since 2017, the Orti Fioriti offers visitors the chance to explore nature, learn about edible plants and flowers, and enjoy open-air experiences year-round. Designed as an inclusive and educational green hub, the gardens also welcome small animals, including egg-laying hens and wild hares, echoing the spirit of historic domestic gardens. A perfect example of green innovation within a smart city framework, the Orti Fioriti enriches the CityLife district with biodiversity, well-being, and environmental awareness.
The large park features gravel pathways and dedicated routes for walkers and runners, allowing them to move freely without the disruption of city traffic.
A cycling and pedestrian path runs from east to west, connecting Parco Sempione to Monte Stella, while a fenced playground ensures that even the youngest visitors can enjoy themselves in total safety. All of these features make CityLife a human-centred district, designed to maximize quality of life. To preserve the car-free environment, two key strategies have been implemented: the creation of the Tre Torri metro station, connecting the district with the rest of the city and its metropolitan area, and the construction of an underground road network, allowing vehicles to reach two underground parking levels for office workers and visitors to the Citylife Shopping District without disrupting the pedestrian-friendly surface area
Dog Area
The CityLife Dog Area is a fenced, tree-lined green space designed for dogs to play safely and freely. Located within the CityLife park, it’s open daily from 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM and free to access. It’s also the ideal location for hosting pet-friendly events.
