Design for Furnishing to Enhance the Routes in the Spina Verde Park in Como

Spina Verde Park extends across the hills to the north-west of Como, brushing alongside the Swiss Canton of Ticino. Starting from the valley that is home to the walled city of Como, it rises up to Monte Caprino, its southern spur provided by the fortified walls of the medieval Baradello Castle, while the archaeological remains of the pre-Roman settlement are nestled in the western slopes. In addition to the historical and archaeological wonders, a vast wooded natural area rich in flora and fauna typical of the Alpine foothills can be found just near the city. Despite having long been the focus of great interest and planning by the administrations, the park is currently suffering difficulties concerning its use and communication. The deterioration that has affected its signage, the equipment in the parking areas and the furniture elements, and the general problem with the management and recognisability of the park's visual identity poses a challenge for the designers. This text presents some of the experiences that emerged from the project carried out within the context of researches and educational courses in Furniture Design at the Politecnico di Milano. The different product types (signage, rest areas, items of furniture such as benches, tables, fountains, panoramic deck, walkways), were developed within the context of the development and enhancement of the natural, archaeological, scenic and panoramic trails, aiming for a wider, more attractive experiential and sensory enjoyment of the park in order to attract a larger number of visitors.