IN/ARCHITETTURA 2026 Award for the Meisino Footbridge
News of
During a ceremony held at the Gallerie d'Italia in Turin, the pedestrian and cycle footbridge at the Parco del Meisino won the IN/ARCHITETTURA 2026 award for Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta, in the new-buildings category [1][2]. The award was collected by city councillors Francesco Tresso, responsible for green spaces and city care, and Domenico Carretta, responsible for sport [1][2].
The award
The IN/ARCHITETTURA award is organised by the National Institute of Architecture (IN/Arch) and ANCE, with the collaboration of Archilovers [1][2]. For the 2026 edition, more than one hundred entries were reviewed for Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta, as part of a competition that received 1,390 entries in total across Italy [1][2]. The jury explained the award by pointing to the project's ability to fit into the Meisino's natural setting, with a route that "blends naturally into the wooded landscape" and a structural profile that "echoes the line of the mountains on the horizon" [1][2].
The winning work
The footbridge links the two parts of the Parco del Meisino, historically separated by corso Don Luigi Sturzo, providing a dedicated passage for pedestrians and cyclists [1][2]. The structure has an average gradient of 7%, designed to make the park accessible to people with disabilities as well [1][2]. The route forms part of the VenTo cycle path, which connects Venice to Turin along the Po [1][2]. Architecturally, the footbridge is characterised by slanted Corten-steel pillars [1][2]. The project was designed by Studio de Ferrari Architetti, Lineeverdi and IPE Progetti Group; the works were carried out by a temporary consortium of companies formed by Ruscalla Renato S.p.A. and Impresa Borio Giacomo S.r.l. [2]. The project is part of a wider scheme linked to the Centre for Sport and Environmental Education, funded with €11.5 million from the PNRR (Italy's National Recovery and Resilience Plan) [1][2].
The objections
The footbridge is also one of the most contested works in the redevelopment of the Meisino area [2]. Associations and environmental groups have raised concerns about the effects of the works on the protected natural area, particularly on biodiversity and habitats and on the possible increase in visitor numbers in the park, as well as about the involvement of residents in decisions on the project [2]. In July 2025 the Turin court rejected an appeal filed by committees and associations against the works, allowing the project to proceed [2]. In April 2026 the European Public Prosecutor's Office opened an exploratory file after a complaint from environmental groups, to check the proper use of EU funds and compliance with environmental rules; opening the file does not amount to a finding of wrongdoing [2].
Related articles: IN/ARCHITETTURA 2026 award for the Parco del Meisino footbridge (October 2026)
Sources
- La passerella ciclopedonale del Meisino si aggiudica il premio IN/ARCHITETTURA 2026 — TorinoClick, 28 October 2026
- Torino, la passerella contestata del Meisino vince il premio IN/ARCHITETTURA 2026 — CronacaQui Torino, 28 October 2026