Due to the lack of existing landscape or protection in the form of buildings, the site is exposed not only to natural elements, but also to man-made conditions such as pollution from the adjacent loads and industrial areas and noise from the airport.  The masterplan is organised around a series of natural buffer zones to reduce the impact from these conditions. The overall aim for the development is to minimise the use of non-renewable energy sources by maximising wind, solar and water harvesting opportunities.  The prevailing summer wind is used as a key generator for the design; buildings are organised to take advantage of the channelling effect of this prevailing summer wind to create comfortable conditions on the streets and open spaces, and to provide natural ventilation for interior spaces. In addition, solar panels are provided to capitalise on the abundance of solar energy in the region. In conjunction with a grey water recycling system, rainwater will be collected and reused for ground water recharge and landscape irrigation.

The use of recycled building materials and the creation of an ecological corridor alongside water and landscape are key features of this approach. An integrated transport and land use strategy is also important to the success of the project to help minimise the reliance on private vehicles and to reinforce connections with the city. The tramlink to central Florence will be diverted into the development, extended along a new major development spine. Local buses will link parking areas at the perimeter of the site with the hubs of the neighbourhoods.