David Chipperfield to Design Milan's New Olympic Arena in Santa Giulia

David Chipperfield Architects Berlin, in collaboration with Arup, has been commissioned to design a 16,000-seat arena in Milan's Santa Giulia district for the 2026 Winter Olympics. The venue, initially named PalaItalia Santa Giulia, will host ice hockey games during the Milano Cortina 2026 Games starting February 6, 2026. Post-Olympics, it will serve concerts, sports events, and festivals. The elliptical structure, inspired by ancient amphitheaters, features three rising rings clad in aluminum tubes with LED lighting. It sits on a mineral-clad podium concealing parking. The project includes a 10,000 sqm green plaza designed by Studio Laura Gatti, with organic forms and trees. Commissioned by CTS Eventim Group, the arena incorporates rooftop photovoltaic systems for energy self-sufficiency. Construction is slated to begin by end of 2022, with delivery expected in autumn 2025. Chipperfield, a Pritzker Prize favorite, is known for his restrained approach and restoration work, including the Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin and Procuratie Vecchie in Venice. He previously worked on Milan's MUDEC and the San Michele cemetery expansion.