A German consortium has won the design competition to provide a roof covering for the ancient Verona Arena in Italy.
The venue, which hosts concerts and operas, is the third-largest Roman amphitheatre in the world. The proposed project has been a controversial topic, given the cultural and historic significance of the site.
However, engineering firm Schlaich Bergermann & Partner and design company Gergan Marg & Partners believe they have come up with an ideal solution to create a roof that will shield the ancient arena from rain.
A curtain membrane will be installed, with the possibility of being extended on cables in heavy rain. According to the winning bid, the curtain will be barely visible when it is retracted.
Flavio Tosi, the Mayor of Verona, said yesterday (Tuesday) that the project, which is expected to cost €13.5m ($14.5m), could be finished within three years, pending approval from the national government’s ministry of culture in Rome.
The project will be part-financed by the Calzedonia fashion group, according to reports.
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