Italian Serie A football clubs AC Milan and Inter Milan have today (Thursday) announced that Populous and Manica/Sportium have been shortlisted to design a new 60,000-seat stadium for the two teams.
Manica/Sportium’s ‘Rings of Milano’ proposal consists of two iconic rings that are interlocked to symbolise how the two rival clubs are “united” in their cause to preserve the city’s history with a new shared stadium.
The linked rings accommodate LED and architectural solutions for branding, facilitating swift changeover between the two teams’ matches.
Populous’ concept has been dubbed ‘The Cathedral’ and draws inspiration from Milan’s iconic Duomo and Galleria buildings. The design is encircled by a sunlit galleria that is enveloped by a glass façade.
The proposal focuses on sustainability, with the galleria naturally cooled and passively heated. Photovoltaic panels would also line the stadium roof and all rainwater collected from the roof would be reused. The stadium would be surrounded by 22 acres of green space to reduce water runoff.
The stadium will form part of a wider park and entertainment district, with events to be held all year round.
Inter’s corporate chief executive Alessandro Antonello said: “The new stadium of San Siro will be located in the heart of a highly modern, green and liveable area which will be accessible all year round.
“The project reflects the DNA, made of innovation and progress, which is historically embedded in our city, and the recent progress which has brought Milan back to being an avant-garde, attractive and international city.
“The multifunctional district will be built to the highest standards of eco-sustainability in order to allow the San Siro district to once again re-establish itself as a destination of European and world excellence for sports and entertainment.”
AC Milan chairman Paolo Scaroni added: “AC Milan and FC Internazionale have shared a stadium in San Siro for more than 70 years. The project’s strength is the two clubs’ commitment together for the new Milan stadium. It means increased investments and a common goal to give the city a sports and entertainment district which is alive all year round thanks to events involving both teams and creating jobs for more than 3,500 people.”
At today’s press conference, Scaroni said that the iconic 80,000-seat San Siro has “run its course”.
The new stadium project is expected to cost €1.2bn (£1.1bn/$1.3bn) and still requires the all-clear from the local council.
Images: Inter Milan
