Milan Garden Competition: Design for Child Wellbeing & Trauma Recovery

A new creative competition, “Un giardino in cui ri-fiorire” (A Garden in Which to Bloom Again), has been announced as part of Myplant & Garden 2026. The initiative, organized by Fondazione Minoprio in collaboration with Myplant and Aiapp, and under the patronage of the Order of Architects Ppc of the province of Milan, aims to revitalize green spaces for vulnerable populations. This builds on the ‘I giardini di Myplant’ initiative, which has been identifying and improving social contexts with green spaces since 2016.

A Healing Landscape for Vulnerable Youth

The competition invites landscape designers and professionals – including architects, agronomists, and garden designers – to submit proposals for a garden redesign at the Associazione Caf in Milano. This organization provides support for minors, aged 3 to 21, who have been removed from their families due to abuse or mistreatment. The project seeks to create a connected garden space capable of accommodating up to 30 children, prioritizing flexible areas for socialization and play.

Design Requirements and Budget

The design must maintain existing perimeter hedges for privacy and incorporate pathways suitable for bicycles and scooters. Plant choices should prioritize safety, with the potential inclusion of flowering or fruit-bearing plants, and materials should be low-maintenance. A budget of 30mila euro has been allocated for the project. Myplant will supply the plants, and students from the Fondazione Minoprio Its Academy, under the guidance of technical instructors, will assist with implementation.

The Therapeutic Value of Green Spaces

The initiative highlights the growing recognition within modern medicine of the link between physical environment and mental health. The quality of surroundings isn’t merely cosmetic; it functions as a key determinant of health. For children who have experienced trauma, outdoor spaces can extend the therapeutic process, offering stimuli that promote emotional regulation and stress reduction.

Exposure to natural settings is linked to measurable physiological responses, including reduced levels of cortisol – the stress hormone – and stabilized heart rates. These benefits are particularly important in residential settings where the vulnerability of individuals requires a balance between protection and stimulation. A well-designed garden can act as a dispositivo di decompressione, offering a form of mental fatigue recovery.

Nature, Rehabilitation, and Neuroplasticity

The design process must consider the need to rebuild a sense of security and predictability for children and adolescents removed from their families. Green spaces provide non-invasive sensory stimulation, helping the nervous system transition from a state of hyper-activation – common after trauma – to one of attenzione rigenerativa (regenerative attention). Integrating flowering and fruit-bearing plants enhances sensory experience through colour, scent, and texture, fostering a sense of presence and body awareness.

The project emphasizes the importance of safe natural elements, including non-toxic plants and accessible pathways, to promote autonomy. Outdoor physical activity, facilitated by bicycle and scooter paths, is considered crucial for psychomotor development and strengthening difese immunitarie (immune defenses), which can be weakened by emotional stress.

The garden’s flexible social space supports the development of executive functions and relational skills. Interacting in an open, less structured environment allows children to experience group dynamics spontaneously, which is fundamental for neuroplasticità – the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new connections in response to positive stimuli.

Selection Process and Timeline

Submissions must be received by 26 marzo 2026. A judging panel comprised of representatives from Fondazione Minoprio, Aiapp, the Order of Architects of Milan, Myplant & Garden, and Associazione Caf will evaluate proposals based on coherence with the theme, innovation, feasibility, ease of maintenance, economic sustainability, and safety. Details about the competition and the jury’s composition are available on the websites of the participating organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary goal of the “Un giardino in cui ri-fiorire” competition?

The competition aims to redesign the garden at Associazione Caf in Milano to create a therapeutic and engaging space for children and adolescents who have experienced abuse or mistreatment.

Who is eligible to participate in the competition?

The competition is open to landscape designers and professionals, including architects, agronomists, paesaggisti, garden designers, and vivaisti, either individually or as part of a team.

What is the budget allocated for the garden’s realization?

The budget for the project is 30mila euro. Myplant will provide the plants, and students from Fondazione Minoprio Its Academy will assist with the implementation.

How might this project influence future approaches to creating supportive environments for vulnerable populations?