Viarno Park

The City Council approved the jury's decision to award the 1st prize for the design of the new Viarno Park in Pregassona to Westpol Landschafts Architektur from Basel and the architecture firm Demattè Fontana Architekten from Zurich.

The open two-phase competition, launched in September 2018, attracted the interest of 47 design teams. In the first phase, participants developed a preliminary project for the entire area covered by the zoning plan, including a proposal for the preservation of the Casa Rossa, which will host public functions.

The jury evaluated each proposal and selected 10 projects. Those admitted to the second phase developed an idea by designing the park layout and the building developments. The jury unanimously decided to award the first prize to the project, titled "Un giardino per la Città", by Westpol Landschafts Architektur from Basel (lead) and Demattè Fontana Architekten from Zurich.

The winning project impressed with its urban planning solution that enhances the environmental and socio-cultural heritage of the area. The conservation of the Casa Rossa is a key feature, allowing its spaces to host activities for community engagement and services for the park and the neighborhood.

Near the villa, the project includes an orangerie pavilion intended for a public venue with an indoor hall and a large outdoor terrace. At the southern edge of Viarno Park, a perimeter building acts as the park's gateway to the city. Alongside the perimeter wall, it forms a threshold between the urban space and the park’s green area. It will house modular multipurpose rooms and a garage with 50 parking spaces.

The central area around the villa will feature themed gardens with reading areas. To the northwest, a multifunctional forest with play areas will be created. On the east side of the park, there will be an orchard. Open areas will be dedicated to recreation and relaxation.

After approving a design budget in July 2020, an activity carried out over the following year and a half, the Executive in June 2022 issued Dispatch 11192, requesting a construction credit of CHF 23.165 million for the new Viarno Park on parcels no. 535, 1381, and 1382 RFD Lugano-Pregassona and an additional credit of CHF 2.7 million to acquire parcel no. 1382 RFD Lugano-Pregassona (privately owned).

The area affected by the project also requires planning adjustments, detailed in Dispatch 11356, approved by the City Parliament in May 2023. The start of the implementation phase is subject to upcoming decisions by the City Council.

Enhancing public spaces in the city is a priority for the Executive, as outlined in the linee di sviluppo (development guidelines) guiding the operations of the City Council and the Administration for 2018-2028. The green space east of Via Guioni spans approximately 27,500 m²: its conversion into a park will redevelop a valuable city area and increase the offering of public parks for the benefit of all residents. The new park will be Lugano’s second largest after the Ciani Park.