angelo renna proposes floating modular island with 39-tree ring on florence’s river
Renna Studio, led by architect Angelo Renna, has submitted a concrete design for a seasonal public space anchored at the Pescaia weir, where the river’s flow is naturally slowed. The concept relies on prefabricated pontoons that support a timber‑framed deck, surrounded by a segmented planter ring that holds 39 fully grown trees. The trees serve as a living perimeter, providing shade and a micro‑climate buffer while visually framing the open‑air venue. The entire system is engineered for reversible assembly: after the May‑September operating window, each module can be detached, the pontoons and decking stored, and the trees’ root balls transferred to municipal nurseries until the next summer.
The proposal taps a growing European appetite for low‑impact, water‑based interventions that reconnect historic city centers with their rivers. Similar temporary islands have appeared in Rotterdam and Paris, but Renna’s design distinguishes itself by integrating a substantial arboreal element—39 mature trees rather than seedlings or planters—into a modular, flood‑resilient framework. The project also aligns with Florence’s heritage agenda; Heritage Superintendent Antonella Ranaldi publicly endorsed the scheme in early 2026, and the city had already earmarked support in 2024. By positioning the platform as a cultural stage for orchestral performances and gatherings, the design promises to boost summer tourism while addressing the underutilized riverfront.
If the municipality proceeds, the main hurdles will be financing the seasonal construction‑disassembly cycle and maintaining the health of the transplanted trees during off‑season storage. The need to coordinate with flood‑control authorities each autumn adds operational complexity, and any delay in municipal approval could stall the project indefinitely, as happened when the city paused its plans. Watching the city council’s budget allocations for 2027 and any pilot installations at the Pescaia site will indicate whether Florence can translate this prototype into a repeatable model for other riverine cities.
Key Takeaways
The design relies on 39 mature trees arranged in a one‑meter‑high circular ring to create a living boundary and micro‑climate for the floating platform.
All structural components are prefabricated pontoons and timber decking that can be fully dismantled before winter floods.
Heritage Superintendent Antonella Ranaldi’s 2026 endorsement signals official cultural support, but municipal funding remains uncertain after the 2024‑2026 pause.
Successful implementation will depend on coordinated flood‑risk management and a sustainable budget for seasonal assembly and tree‑nursery storage.
About the Source
This analysis is based on reporting by Design Boom. Here is a short excerpt for context:
combining a modular structure with a circular green perimeter of trees, the project reimagines the relationship between florence and its river through a seasonal, reversible, and ecological intervention. The post angelo renna proposes floating modular island with 39-tree ring on florence’s river appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.Read the original at Design Boom
