Observing the urban context from the point of view of gender opens up horizons of interpretation that are certainly not unheard of, but that until now remain rather unexplored. The city, with its spaces, is the concrete representation of society that, over the years, has determined its characteristics: every urban choice, every political decision is the reflection of a dominant structure that supports the social order. -- Florencia Andreola and Azzurra Muzzonigro, Sex and the City
The Milan Gender Atlas marked an innovative step in urban planning by intertwining gender studies with city design. Implemented by the non-profit association Sex and the City for the Municipality of Milan in partnership with Triennale Milano, the project ran from 2020 to 2022 and aimed to redefine urban spaces and champion gender-inclusive urban development.
This initiative was embedded within a broader urban transformation agenda seeking to address the cultural, social and environmental complexities of modern urban life. Responding to Milan’s urban factor call for ideas in 2019, the project fostered dialogue on urban regeneration, emphasising gender-inclusive approaches.
The project mapped Milan through gender-focused lenses, analysing accessibility to essential services and urban safety from the perspectives of women and gender minorities. This involves:
- a novel research method to collect and analyse gender-specific data;
- workshops and discussions to promote gender-sensitive urban planning;
- recommendations for Milan’s local government to foster gender equality through urban policy.
Publishing the Milan Gender Atlas was a significant stride towards advocating for a more inclusive urban environment. It spotlights urban discrepancies and serves as a foundational tool for dialogues on urban inclusivity, aiming to inspire policies that embrace diversity in urban development.