A Design Day off in Milan
Workday 28/03/2025
I requested the day off on Friday for a very special reason: I had the chance to travel to Milan by train, a 5 ½-hour journey, to visit my family. Although I would consider this a holiday, I always make a point of incorporating learning opportunities into my travels, whether it’s a nearby town or a different country. Milan, with its rich history and incredible architecture, was the perfect place to explore and expand my design knowledge.
During my visit, I took the opportunity to experience the city’s modern art museum, which was wonderfully preserved with beautiful architecture, stunning statues, and captivating paintings. Attached to the museum was a gorgeous landscape garden, which I carefully studied, taking notes on its layout for future inspiration.
The most powerful part of my visit was experiencing the Bosco Verticale, the “Vertical Forest” a true masterpiece of modern architecture. I was struck by the contrast between the ornate beauty of Milan’s historic buildings and the sleek, contemporary design of the glass towers. But what truly captivated me was the Bosco Verticale itself. This building is a living, breathing structure, blending the beauty of historical aesthetics with the functionality of modern design, while harmonising perfectly with nature. It’s an extraordinary example of how the past and present can merge to create something entirely new, and I found it incredibly inspiring.
This trip reinforced my passion for the future of architecture a future that embraces sustainability not just as a trend, but as a fundamental design philosophy. Bosco Verticale’s successful integration of nature and modern design has given me new insights into how architecture can impact both the environment and the people who experience it. I am deeply grateful to my parents for giving me the chance to experience Milan firsthand, and I am inspired and eager to apply these sustainable design principles to my own work in the future.