L-M Waterfront

The project for Laveno Mombello’s new waterfront revolves around a concept that is as poetic as it is functional: transforming the boundary between land and water into a living space capable of adapting to the rhythms of Lake Maggiore. Rather than resisting the natural phenomenon of flooding, the design embraces it, imagining a city that “overflows” toward the water just as the lake reclaims its urban spaces. At the heart of this intervention is a new “coastline” that is no longer a rigid limit, but a permeable and dynamic margin.

The layout unfolds through two main intertwining paths. On one side is the “city line,” an iconic ribbon crafted from blue Lavenese ceramic that runs through Via Labiena. This feature pays homage to the town’s industrial heritage while guiding visitors toward the lake along a promenade dotted with outdoor seating and commercial spaces. On the other side, the “lake line” redesigns the embankment with a granite walkway intended for relaxation and contemplation, elevated in specific sections to remain accessible even when the water level rises.

The meeting point of these two flows is the new square, a vast, unified space replacing the former parking lots. This is where social life settles and condenses: the stone surface is shaped by steps descending toward the water and by “functional islands” made of teak and steel. These platforms host various activities, from outdoor theater to play areas and dining. The true magic of the project reveals itself during floods: as the lake invades the square, these islands remain dry like small, suspended atolls. This offers citizens an entirely new and evocative way to experience their landscape, turning a critical environmental event into a unique aesthetic and social experience.