Stefano Boeri to design new “green” district of Bratislava

Stefano Boeri Architetti recently won first prize in an international design competition to revitalise a former industrial area in Bratislava, Slovakia — a three-hectare area close to the city's historic centre and the Danube River. Called "Urban Oasis”, the project will create a new central hub for the city through a large public park surrounded by green buildings. The centrepiece of the masterplan is a large public park, on the edges of which will rise a mix of residential buildings, including a skyscraper and four medium-sized structures with a total capacity of around 1,300 flats. The winning proposal stood out for its “European matrix”, citing in its composition traditional stone and brick façades integrated with greenery, the Milanese studio’s signature.

Architect Stefano Boeri describes the winning proposal as a model of an “archipelago metropolis”, imagining neighbourhoods as self-sufficient centres with clean energy production, diverse functions and a strong connection to nature. Another aspect emphasised by the study is the attention given to the creation of a high quality public space, also taking into account factors such as noise pollution and optimisation of sunlight.

The park is designed to be a flexible and attractive space that also helps regulate the neighbourhood’s microclimate. Pedestrian and bicycle paths will be favoured throughout the development, while car use will be discouraged. Solar panels will contribute to the district’s energy needs, while green roofs and permeable pavements will manage rainwater runoff. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with the first phase focusing on residential development, with a timeline of approximately ten years to completion.