angelo renna proposes floating modular island with 39-tree ring on florence’s river

combining a modular structure with a circular green perimeter of trees, the project reimagines the relationship between florence and its river through a seasonal, reversible, and ecological intervention.

angelo renna edited by christina vergopoulou November 5, 2026 3 min

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RENNA ENVISIONS FLOATING PLATFORM ON FLORENCE’S RIVER

Designed by Renna Studio and architect Angelo Renna, Firenze Little Island is an architectural proposal for a demountable, seasonal public floating platform on the Arno River in Florence, Italy. Sited along the Pescaia weir, where water flow is regulated, the project introduces an amphibious public space designed for cultural gatherings, orchestral performances, and recreation during the calmer summer months between May and September.

angelo renna proposes floating modular island with 39-tree ring on florence's river - 1 — all images ©Renna Studio – Angelo Renna

SEGMENTED TIMBER DECK ADAPT TO SEASONAL FLOOD RISKS

The installation, conceived by Renna Studio’s architect Angelo Renna, utilizes a lightweight, reversible modular structure comprising prefabricated floating pontoons topped with a timber beam substructure and finished decking. Encircling the central open-air deck is a segmented, circular planter ring approximately one meter (3.3 feet) high, accommodating 39 mature trees. This planted perimeter acts as both a spatial boundary and an environmental buffer, moderating the localized microclimate through natural shading and air circulation. Engineered for seasonal disassembly ahead of autumn and winter flood conditions, the pontoons, decking modules, and segmented planters are designed to be broken down, transported, and stored, with the root systems maintained in municipal nurseries until reassembly. Originally proposed with municipal backing in 2024 and supported by Heritage Superintendent Antonella Ranaldi in early 2026 before municipal plans paused, the proposal articulates a circular, low-impact strategy for re-integrating the historic riverfront into the civic fabric of Florence.

angelo renna proposes floating modular island with 39-tree ring on florence's river - 2 — along the Pescaia area, the water flow slows down, creating a sheltered area

renna-studio-angelo-renna-firenze-little-island-designboom-1800-2 — the floating island and the city of Florence, featuring its main monuments and historical landmarks

angelo renna proposes floating modular island with 39-tree ring on florence's river - 3 — the island uses floating modules commonly employed in the construction of jetties and floating platforms

renna-studio-angelo-renna-firenze-little-island-designboom-1800-3 — this drawing is inspired by Francesco Rosselli’s famous Pianta della Catena, dating to 1471, an iconic historical representation of the city of Florence

during the summer period, the floating island will adapt to fluctuations in the river’s water level the island can accommodate a variety of activities, ranging from open-air concerts and markets to fitness events masterplan of the intervention and its connection to the river embankment; an existing path already connects the river to the city in this area exploded axonometric drawing illustrating the main components of the floating island plan of the intervention, showing trees arranged in a circular configuration section drawing illustrating the anchoring system. Underwater cables will secure the island to the riverbed, keeping it stable while allowing it to adapt to fluctuations in the water level

during the summer period, the floating island will adapt to fluctuations in the river’s water level the island can accommodate a variety of activities, ranging from open-air concerts and markets to fitness events masterplan of the intervention and its connection to the river embankment; an existing path already connects the river to the city in this area exploded axonometric drawing illustrating the main components of the floating island plan of the intervention, showing trees arranged in a circular configuration section drawing illustrating the anchoring system. Underwater cables will secure the island to the riverbed, keeping it stable while allowing it to adapt to fluctuations in the water level

project info:

name: Firenze Little Island
designer: Renna Studio / Angelo Renna | @renna.angelo

location: Florence, Italy

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