While Renzo Piano’s plans for Valletta replace an empty space with a building on stilts (Parliament) – although there is talk of filling the ditch with selected trees – his plans for Milan seek to plant no fewer than 3,500 trees between the city’s duomo (cathedral) and Castello Sforzesco.

But in Milan, as in Malta, Piano’s plans have caused controversy.

Milan city council – again in contrast to the government of Malta – turned down the concept, citing the costs (€10 million) and saying it would prefer to reduce the number of trees on the outskirts of the city.

However – and again in contrast to Malta – while here, Piano’s plans provoked anger on the part of culture-lovers, in Milan none other than famous director Claudio Abbado has expressed support for the plans.

The search is on now for possible sponsors: Coca-Cola Hbc Italia has already offered to partly finance the project but is waiting to see if others join in.

Piano’s plans (see graphic) would see 36 trees planted in Piazza del Duomo and the creation of a tree-lined avenue leading to the castle. Milan’s mayor, Letizia Moratti, said she would be ready to pay for 150 trees, but not for 3,500.