STADIUM

FALL 2022

Eight Weeks

Milan is a city of glamour, opportunity, possibility, and discovery. As such, the direction of design within the realms of music, art, cuisine, fashion, technology, and architecture around the world is heavily influenced by the avant-garde nature of Milanese design. This dynamic and ever-evolving attitude enables the city to establish itself as a leader in all fronts. The goal of this design is to physically portray these characteristics and pronounce Milan’s commitment to progress. Planted within the former site of the Milan Expo 2015, Milan Innovation District (MIND) is a development aiming to grow scientific and cultural development within Milan. The form of the stadium works directly with both the physical and metaphysical nature of MIND by reacting to the present forces such as traffic, circulation, adjacent usages, and natural terrain. Sweeping curves and limited contact with the ground lead the silhouette of the stadium to appear floating. Lightness and dynamism inform the design of the structural system. A steel diagram is suspended by large column blades, setting the stage for the skeleton to be glazed with dark, high reflectance glass in order for the main concourse to receive controlled daylight while remaining open and airy. The monolithic finish of the exterior promotes a dynamic and fluid expression which calls back to the evolution of its context. The interior of the skin is treated in contrast to the exterior, as the steel frame remains exposed in order to highlight the connections and honesty of the structure. Furthermore, this transition from exterior to interior reinforces the evolution of the project both in experience and in physical manifestation.