In the next decades the city of Lugano will develop in a territory which will coincide with the catchment basin of the Cassarate river. This river course will be considered as the load-bearing axis of the “new city”and has the potential to become a new green and recreational axis running through the metropolitan area connecting neighborhoods. To meet these goals a large multi-purpose project on Cassarate river is ongoing. Indeed, according to Cassarate hazard zone map, some metropolitan areas still do not meet flood protection requirements. Moreover the areas surrounding Cassarate river are ecologically degraded and are only accessible to a limited extent for recreational use. The Cassarate restoration project will thus combine hydraulic measures with ecological and recreational restoration measures. Restored areas, surrounding Cassarate river, will thus allow several recreational and public activities. They have the potential to become high quality public spaces for local people as well as for visitors and tourists. They will also provide natural areas within the city and promote ecological interconnections for fishes and other organisms along the river course