An underused green space in the shadow of the Torre San Niccolò will soon bring new activity to the area under Lungarno Serristori: the seasonal “Terzo Giardino” (Third Garden) has returned, upgraded, to the riverbank. The 10,000 square meter garden, a project by the art collective Studio++ as part of Progetto Riva and in collaboration with the Florence City Council and the region of Tuscany, is a public art initiative set to host events for both children and adults throughout the summer.
The garden was designed by Studio ++, with artistic direction from Valentina Gensini, relying on meticulous separation of the bank’s spontaneous vegetation, in keeping with the Italian garden tradition. Its inspiration was landscape architect Gilles Clément’s “Third Landscape” concept, which prioritises spaces’ natural biodiversity.
“{Terzo Giardino is} a great work of urban requalification,” commented Alessia Bettini, the City councilor for the environment, “{and} the river should not be seen as a dumping ground, but rather as a place of real biodiversity. This project is especially interesting as it allows for Florentines and tourists alike to rediscover the space’s rich potential. The ultimate goal is to continue bringing the Arno’s banks to full fruition.”
The first event will take place on June 10, a free workshop for families discussing the riverbank’s plant species. Various talks and initiatives on urban strategies related to the reclaiming of abandoned spaces will take place throughout the season, which will continue until September.
