First PALIMPSEST Residential Workshop in Milan

The concluding Residential Workshop of the first phase of PALIMPSEST – Creative Drivers for Sustainable Living Heritage Research Project took place in Milan last week. It was an intensive week of work, during which Gethan&Myles—the artists selected through the “Creative Dialogues” Open Call—explored the Lambro landscape and discussed their concept with project partners and local stakeholders. The overall goal of this art residency was to reflect on how to integrate the transformative power of creative action with landscape sustainability objectives and address local needs.

WHO PARTICIPATED?

The residential workshop hosted Gethan&Myles, the Irish artist duo who won the “Creative Dialogue” open call with their project “Acqua Lambro.” Various project partners participated, discussing potential strategies to anchor Gethan&Myles’ concept in the Milanese context. The ERSAF team—comprising Daniela Masotti, Dario Kian, Francesca Squadrelli, and Daniele Drago—coordinated the exploration activities of the Lambro landscape and facilitated discussions with numerous local stakeholders. These stakeholders included Gianni Dapri (Associazione Grande Parco Forlanini), Raul Dal Santo (Comune di Parabiago), Vivianne Iacone (former Director of Regione Lombardia), Andrea Turolla (Politecnico di Milano), Ivo Dal Zotto (Forlanini Tenants Association) Marco La Veglia (AIPO), Lorenzo Baio (Legambiente Lombardia). Stefano Beghi from Karakorum Teatro managed the interaction with the artists throughout the various stages of the process. Sanna Lehtinen from Aalto University, a member of the project’s Advisory Board, provided insights into the aesthetic dimension of the landscape, relating it to other sustainability values. Participants also included Chema Segovia (CulturaLink), Amalia de Götzen, Maria Vitaller del Olmo, and Nicola Morelli (Service Design Lab AAU), Noelia Calvo Zafro (Basque Centre for Climate Change), Sara Dufour and Lily Villeneuve (COAL), and the full call team, with Grazia Concilio, Irene Bianchi, Francesca Berni, Talita Medina, and the participation of Ilaria Tosoni.

WHY MILAN?

In the Milanese context, PALIMPSEST works on the Lambro River, a river with a controversial relationship with the city. A polluted river that bears the traces of the industrial history of the area it flows through. A often forgotten river, not always present in the mental maps of Milan’s citizens. A river that is currently the focus of significant efforts, retaining areas of great potential, which the project aims to reimagine and reconnect with the city.

WHAT DID WE DO?

1. We explored the landscape of the Lambro River, starting from key points that reflect its relationship with the city of Milan and continuing up to its sources. 
2. We engaged with many local stakeholders, learning about the river’s history and the various perspectives on its future. 
3. We discussed concepts of value, beauty, care, and reciprocity, considering how to integrate these into the next steps of the project. 
4. We also collaborated with Gethan & Myles to explore how to anchor their artistic work within the Milanese context.