Ticino Embraces Reuse – Call for Projects Now Open (ENG)
A new cantonal strategy
The Canton of Ticino is promoting a new circular approach in construction that prioritises reuse over recycling, preserving both material value and embedded energy.
The Minusio bridges initiative is the first project of this kind in the region, marking a shift from waste management towards material reuse as a design driver.
The Remorino-Bridge in Minusio
The three bridges as a material resource
The bridges of Remorino, Fontile and Navegna were built in 1936 and progressively adapted over time to respond to changing mobility needs. Today, they are no longer suited to current traffic requirements.
Rather than treating this transition as an end of life, the project recognises the bridges as a significant stock of reinforced concrete with strong potential for reuse in new contexts.
From infrastructure to available material
The bridges are entering a phase of deconstruction that will last approximately two years, during which the structures will be carefully cut into reusable elements.
With this initiative, the Canton of Ticino not only promotes reuse, but also leads by example: part of the recovered material will be used in a public construction project.
At the same time, the Canton is launching an open call for projects, inviting architects, engineers and landscape architects to propose new applications for the recovered concrete elements.
Proposals can be submitted until 30 September 2026. All relevant technical information, including material quantities and documentation, is available for download.
Picture: Adrian Michael -CC BY 4.0
