With our noses up in the air
In Milan, which is already an eventful city, new rituals are inserted: the intimate connection between people and the sky will change the way we experience city spaces, bringing a greater awareness of what is present above our heads every day, and inviting us to walk more “with our noses up in the air.”
The orientation of streets according to astral directions and the search for places that offer unique views of the sky, suggest the development of two overlapping and future-expanding design systems.
The first system converts an avenue, a square and a garden into spaces dedicated to the sun, the moon and the sky view, in which time is governed by astronomic events and rhythms related to them.
The second system invites the physical and conceptual pursuit of celestial bodies through nomadic and movable installations always oriented toward them.
1.
STATIONARY SYSTEM
Permanent projects
to experience the sky
Study of the orientation of the streets of Milan, according to the main directions of rise and set of moon and sun.
The sun way
La via del sole
Tunisia and Regina Giovanna avenues are oriented according to the sunset of the summer solstice and the sunrise of the winter solstice. Along these avenues, 183 mirror modules placed between the streetcar tracks reflect the sky throughout the year and count the missing days for the solar event. During the solstices, a temporary pyramid is built in a square extending over the street to accommodate many people and invite them to observe the sky.
A glimpse of sky
Uno squarcio di cielo
The F. Rucci Garden is a small play area surrounded by 18 tall trees framing the view of the sky. Maintaining the playful character of the place, swings arranged in a ring between trees swing toward the sky. In addition, a large central carousel rotates, showing those who lie on it a new and dynamic view of the sky.
The moon crown
La corona della luna
Piazzale Libia is a large green and residential area characterized by old trees that define a wide view of the sky. In the design, the paving is oriented to the south, and along the perimeter, tall arches light up the night, offering numerous views to frame the moon, followed along its entire arch. Centrally, a fountain marks the changing water level, the moon’s proximity to the earth during the synodic month.
2.
NOMAD SYSTEM
Movable installations to follow sun and moon
The astral eyes
Gli occhi degli astri
Installations on wheels move around the city following rhythms marked by the sun and moon, in fixed bases that allow visitors to climb onto the platform and observe the sky. Acting as observation devices, they consist of a body that rotates from east to west to follow the horizontal movement of the celestial bodies they are dedicated to, and a lens that tilts according to the height in the sky of the latter.
Sun Eye
Moon Eye
TIME DIAGRAM
of permanences in each Milanese district
Prospect and sections of Sun and Moon Eyes
