Populous has submitted a proposal for a new stadium for AC Milan and FC Internazionale Milano. The stadium, dubbed The Cathedral, will be the centerpiece of a new mixed-use masterplan development in the San Siro District, a sustainable 365-days-a-year destination.
The stadium’s design draws inspiration from the Duomo and the Galleria, two of Milano’s most iconic buildings, and the identities of both AC Milan and FC Internazionale will be incorporated into the fabric of the building. For Inter Milan, a coiled viper of blue light wraps itself around the stadium; for AC Milan, the vertical buttresses glow a deep red that emanates from within the building.
In an effort to bring fans closer to the action than ever before, The Cathedral design includes a bespoke seating bowl that will be the most intimate in Europe. A sunlit galleria will encircle the stadium and be enveloped by a glass facade to create space for food and beverage outlets inspired by Milano’s food culture, lounge areas, and bars.
Additionally, The Cathedral is designed to become the most sustainable stadium in Europe. The galleria will be naturally cooled and passively heated and the stadium’s roof will feature photovoltaic panels to generate electricity that is stored in battery banks for later use. Rainwater will be collected from the roof and reused and, thanks to the 22 acres of green space that will surround the stadium, water runoff is reduced and the heat island effect is counteracted.
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