Pigeons, frogs and beetles gather in Milan City Hall to debate the rights of urban animals

Pigeons, Frogs, and Beetles Gather in Milan City Hall to Debate Urban Animal Rights

Pigeons frogs and beetles gather in Milan - In a surreal and symbolic act, Milan’s City Hall has become a stage for an unexpected assembly. Birds, amphibians, and insects—pigeons, frogs, goldfish, and beetles—have been given the chance to voice their concerns through human representatives. This unique event, the first Parliament of Living Species, aims to bridge the gap between city planners and the creatures that call Milan home. The gathering highlights the growing urgency to integrate the needs of urban wildlife into decision-making processes, particularly as the city continues to expand and transform its landscapes.

A Meeting of Voices, Not Just Species

Fifty animals, each selected for their vulnerability to urban development, are represented by masked human advocates. Their presence underscores a broader message: even the smallest inhabitants of the city are affected by large-scale changes. From the soaring pigeons in rooftop nests to the submerged goldfish in canals, the meeting brings together diverse urban dwellers. The goal is to make policymakers rethink infrastructure projects and consider the ecological implications of their choices.

One of the central issues under discussion is the fate of the San Siro Stadium. A representative of swifts, whose colonies rely on the structure for nesting, criticizes its potential demolition. The stadium, once a symbol of Milan’s football culture, has been left out of UEFA’s plans for the Champions League finals and Euro 2032. Now, it faces scrutiny from the City Council due to rising maintenance costs. The debate centers on whether its loss will disrupt vital habitats for thousands of birds or if its reuse could benefit the city in other ways.

Another contentious topic is the revival of the Navigli canals. Originally paved over in the 1920s as railways rendered them obsolete, the canals are now a focal point of the discussion. A coypu, a semi-aquatic rodent, celebrates the prospect of a renewed watery home, while small mammals remain wary of new barriers that might fragment their territories. The conversation reflects a tension between preservation and progress, as the city seeks to balance development with environmental care.

Collaboration and Creativity

The Parliament of Living Species is a collaborative effort between the Polytechnic University of Milan’s Urban Planning Laboratory, the Piccolo Teatro di Milano, and the City of Milan itself. This initiative builds on the Animals in the City project, which gained attention in Paris earlier this year. The Paris exhibition, held at the Fondation Cartier contemporary art museum, featured playful collages of animals overlaid on iconic landmarks. These artistic visuals sparked discussions about how urban spaces could be redesigned to coexist with wildlife.

In Milan, the event merges art and research, creating a platform for both imaginative thinking and practical solutions. The focus is on reimagining urban planning to better accommodate permanent and migratory species. By giving voice to animals that humans often overlook, the organizers hope to foster a greater awareness of biodiversity within city limits. The idea is to encourage a shift in perspective, where decisions about construction and land use are guided by ecological sensitivity rather than purely economic or aesthetic considerations.

Voices from the Animal World

“The opportunity to create a space that gives voice to the often invisible creatures that coexist with us in Milan, besides helping us recognize the multitude of non-human life present in the urban space, can contribute to a more informed approach to the major decisions that affect the future of our cities,” says Stefano Boeri, a professor at the University of Milan and architect behind vertical gardens.

Boeri emphasizes the importance of integrating nature into the urban fabric. He suggests that certain areas in Milan, like the former Marchiondi Spagliardi complex—a brutalist building designed by architect Vittoriano Viganò in the 1950s and later abandoned in the 1980s—could be transformed into hubs for biodiversity. Such a move, he argues, would not only protect urban species but also enhance the city’s ecological value.

Matteo Moscatelli, who coordinated the event, highlights the potential of restoring neglected structures. “Abandoned buildings and degraded ecosystems can be brought back to life,” he explains. “This process reduces conflicts between humans and non-domesticated species while enriching the city’s natural heritage.” His vision aligns with the broader goal of the Parliament: to inspire participants to prioritize the needs of wildlife in their future projects.

The event also draws attention to the role of green corridors in connecting fragmented habitats. A fox representative advocates for prioritizing these pathways over new surface parking spaces, emphasizing the importance of maintaining ecological networks. This perspective adds a layer of complexity to the discussion, as urban planners must weigh the benefits of open spaces against the demands of modern infrastructure.

City Hall as a Symbol of Change

Milan City Hall, typically a site of political deliberation, has become a metaphor for the city’s evolving relationship with nature. The meeting’s comedic tone—featuring animated debates and playful exchanges—contrasts with the serious environmental issues at stake. It offers a unique opportunity for humans to imagine the experiences of their urban counterparts, fostering a collaborative spirit that transcends species boundaries.

Elena Grandi, the City of Milan’s Councillor for Environment and Green Spaces, underscores the importance of this initiative. “Our space is also their space,” she states. “This is why we must protect this great heritage of biodiversity.” Her words reflect a commitment to making Milan a more inclusive environment, one that acknowledges the coexistence of human and animal life. By engaging with the concerns of urban wildlife, the city can move toward a more sustainable and harmonious future.

The Parliament of Living Species is not just a creative exercise—it is a call to action. As urbanization accelerates, the need to incorporate ecological principles into planning becomes more pressing. The event challenges policymakers to think beyond traditional metrics, considering the long-term impact of their decisions on the city’s ecosystems. It also invites citizens to reflect on the invisible networks of life that sustain their daily routines.

With its blend of art, science, and advocacy, the Parliament exemplifies how interdisciplinary approaches can address complex environmental challenges. By giving animals a platform to speak, the organizers hope to spark a cultural shift, where the rights of urban species are recognized as integral to the city’s identity. Whether through the restoration of old buildings or the revival of canals, the event aims to create a blueprint for cities that are both livable for humans and hospitable for the creatures that share their spaces.

As the meeting concludes, its legacy remains: a reminder that the urban world is not just shaped by humans but is also home to a multitude of other beings. The dialogue initiated in Milan may ripple outward, encouraging similar initiatives in other cities. In this way, the Parliament of Living Species becomes more than an event—it becomes a movement, redefining what it means to live in harmony with nature in the modern age.