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.
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.
along the Pescaia area, the water flow slows down, creating a sheltered areathe floating island and the city of Florence, featuring its main monuments and historical landmarks
the island uses floating modules commonly employed in the construction of jetties and floating platformsthis drawing is inspired by Francesco Rosselli’s famous Pianta della Catena, dating to 1471, an iconic historical representation of the city of Florence
project info:
name: Firenze Little Island
designer: Renna Studio / Angelo Renna | @renna.angelo
location: Florence, Italy
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edited by: Christina Vergopoulou | designboom
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