Foster + Partners Unveils Generali Stadium to Replace Iconic San Siro
New 71,500-seat Milanese arena prioritizes fan experience and sustainable engineering for future football.
1Stadium Design Concept
Foster + Partners and Manica have unveiled the Generali Stadium, a 71,500-seat venue replacing the historic San Siro. The design features a structural facade of interlocking low-carbon concrete segments, reaching 60 metres in height. This monumental infrastructure aims to blend Milanese architectural traditions with modern engineering, creating a new civic landmark for the city.
2Fan-Centric Architectural Focus
The stadium layout prioritizes the fan experience, specifically the unique relationship between opposing supporters. The design includes two curved stands, or curvas, positioned at a 37-degree pitch to bring spectators closer to the pitch. This configuration ensures that AC Milan and Inter Milan fans face each other, maintaining the intense atmosphere of the original.
3Sustainability and LEED Goals
The project is designed to be all-electric and carbon-neutral, targeting LEED Gold Certification. The roof will integrate 27,500 square metres of photovoltaic panels to generate renewable energy. By utilizing a low-carbon precast concrete system, the developers aim to significantly minimize construction waste and reduce the overall carbon footprint of the massive build.
4Acoustic Engineering Strategy
Acoustics served as a primary design driver from the initial sketches to ensure the stadium captures the famous roar of Milanese crowds. The bowl geometry is engineered to amplify chanting while reducing noise pollution for the surrounding area. This focus on sound dynamics honors the legacy of the San Siro while enhancing match-day intensity.
5Project Timeline and Context
AC Milan and Inter Milan will continue utilizing the existing San Siro until the 2032 European Championship. The new stadium is scheduled for completion by this event, after which the 99-year-old venue will be demolished. This transition follows a long-debated sale of the site, approved by the Milan city council in October 2025.
6Overcoming Regulatory Hurdles
Previous attempts to replace the San Siro, including a design by Populous called the Cathedral, were blocked in 2023 by the Regional Commission for the Cultural Heritage of Lombardy. The current project proceeded only after the city council approved the sale of the stadium, preventing the site from becoming an abandoned, burdensome urban arena.
7Broader Urban Masterplan
The stadium is a central component of a larger 281,000-square-metre masterplan. This development will integrate public spaces, green areas, and various leisure and retail zones into the surrounding district. By creating a multi-functional environment, the project aims to serve as a civic monument that remains active beyond the football match schedule.
8Architectural Legacy Influence
Norman Foster drew inspiration from his personal history with Milan, referencing the verticality of the Duomo and the work of Pier Luigi Nervi. The stadium design reflects these historic urban rhythms, aiming to create a modern structure that respects the city's architectural heritage while simultaneously advancing the firm's global portfolio of elite sports venues.