• 220,000 inhabitants
• 175 sq km
• 1,260 inhabitants per sq km
  

The area
The South West has been affected by industry, services and housing estates, often of poor quality, that have spilled over from Milan.
Built-up areas have developed linearly along the main road and rail infrastructure. At the same time, three different “bands” of urban development have evolved to the south west of the metropolitan area of Milan: first the conurbation of Milan’s suburbs, then, further out, some sizeable towns, as well as several small towns scattered in the agricultural areas, and lastly the urban areas within Parco Sud.

Scenarios and trends
The South West can take one of two metropolitan development routes:

• Low road – Leave the current model of development as it is, i.e. focused on the location of functions that have been squeezed out of the centre of town (large, poor quality housing estates with series problems of social degradation and coexistence; an agglomeration of mediocre industrial sheds in the industrial areas; certain “unwelcome” industrial services, but also shopping malls and supermarkets and major road and rail infrastructure. A system of fragile and low-tech enterprises.
• High road – Focus on the presence and future growth of top class facilities in the services and medical research sectors. In addition, good quality housing and an exceptional historic and environmental heritage.

Vision
For the Milanese region, the South West can become a technology and healthcare services park.