# Foster + Partners Unveil Design for Milan's New Generali Stadium The 71,500-seat arena merges Milanese architectural heritage with modern, sustainable stadium design principles. - **Source:** [architecture archives | designboom | architecture & design magazine](https://brifing.si/source/1e716da2-18e6-4704-96a6-818e7860b99f) - **Published:** 2026-10-30 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/7a9b8d0d-3aaa-4633-a6fc-39dfe8c817e1 ## New Shared Arena Vision Foster + Partners and MANICA have officially unveiled the design for Generali Stadium, a 71,500-seat facility in Milan. This project serves as the future shared home for AC Milan and FC Internazionale Milano. The proposal aims to replace the historic Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, which has hosted the city's football clubs for several generations. ## Architectural Heritage Integration The stadium's exterior features a repeating geometric facade inspired by the intricate stonework of Milan’s Duomo. Exposed concrete X-frame structures define the building's sculptural rhythm, extending from ground-level colonnades to the roof. Diamond-shaped openings at the entrances provide visual access to naturally ventilated circulation spaces and panoramic concourses overlooking the surrounding city landscape. ## Roof and Sustainability Features A double-curved roof covers the seating bowl while leaving the central pitch open to the sky. This spoke-wheel structure incorporates 27,500 square meters of photovoltaic panels to support energy needs. The design targets LEED Gold certification, featuring an all-electric operational strategy alongside advanced systems for rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling throughout the site. ## Optimized Seating and Acoustics The interior features a continuous 360-degree seating bowl divided into two distinct tiers. Two steep supporter sections, known as Curvas, rise at 37-degree angles behind the goals to maintain match intensity. Acoustic design within the roof geometry directs crowd noise back toward the field, ensuring an intimate atmosphere despite the stadium's massive scale. ## Urban District Redevelopment Generali Stadium acts as the centerpiece for a 281,000-square-meter redevelopment of the San Siro district. The plan includes extensive public spaces, landscaped areas, and retail facilities designed to generate activity throughout the year. By hosting concerts and other major events, the venue aims to remain a functional asset beyond the standard football calendar. ## Project Timeline and Approval Following the design unveiling on October 29th, 2026, the project is entering subsequent planning and approval phases. Construction is currently scheduled to commence in 2028. The clubs anticipate the stadium will be fully operational in time for the 2031/32 football season, marking a significant transition for the historic San Siro district. ## Legacy of San Siro The proposal addresses the long-standing debate regarding the future of the existing Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. Plans call for the partial demolition of the historic venue once the new stadium is completed. The architects have prioritized maintaining the steep seating proximity that defined the original stadium experience for fans over many decades. ## Strategic Design Implications The collaboration between Foster + Partners and MANICA emphasizes a balance between cultural identity and modern functionality. By referencing local architectural motifs and implementing carbon-neutral goals, the project sets a benchmark for future European stadium developments. The focus remains on creating a high-performance environment that serves both the clubs and the public. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.designboom.com/architecture/foster-partners-generali-stadium-milan-duomo-manica-san-siro-italy/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._