Angelo Renna Designs Floating Modular Island with 39-Tree Ring for Florence’s Arno River

Architect Angelo Renna has proposed a striking new intervention for Florence’s Arno River: a floating modular island encircled by a ring of 39 trees. The project reimagines how the historic city can reconnect with its waterway through a design that is seasonal, reversible, and ecological. By combining a flexible modular structure with a circular green perimeter, Renna’s concept offers a temporary yet impactful way to activate the riverfront without permanent alteration. The floating island would provide new public space while enhancing biodiversity and raising awareness of the river’s environmental role. As cities worldwide seek low-impact urban interventions, Renna’s proposal highlights how adaptable, nature-centered design can breathe new life into historic urban landscapes. The concept signals a forward-looking shift toward ephemeral architecture that respects both heritage and ecology.