Populous Chosen as Architect for New Milan Stadium

Populous will be the architect of record for “The Cathedral,” a new project in Milan, Italy, that will be the future home for two of the biggest names in world soccer.

AC Milan has played at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, commonly known as San Siro, since 1926 and in 1947 was joined by Inter Milan. The stadium seats over 80,000 and has been used for games at the 1934 and 1990 World Cups but the clubs have been searching for a new home for several years.

“The Cathedral will become one of the most iconic stadiums in world football,” said Christopher Lee, managing director, EMEA, for Populous. “It will create a world-class, modern, and truly bespoke home for the legendary clubs of AC Milan and Inter Milan and form the beating heart of a new civic district. It will be a stadium for all Milanese to enjoy for generations to come that is true to the city and honors its heritage.”

The decision sees a reconfiguration of the area in the neighborhood through the creation of a new district dedicated to sport and leisure. The new complex will be pedestrian-only with parking moved to an underground lot. The planned new stadium will be surrounded by green space and is targeted to be carbon neutral and LEED-certified.

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“Our design envisages the stadium as the most sustainable in Europe and the focal point of a new sports and entertainment district for Milan that will be alive throughout the year,” said Declan Sharkey, senior principal and general manager at Populous Italia. “Underpinned by the history and traditions of these two great clubs, it will not only deliver an incredible sporting arena to watch football in but revitalize the whole area to better serve Milan’s citizens, visitors, fans and their families.”

The stadium itself would seat 60,000. The two Milan clubs first announced plans for a new stadium in 2019.

“The new San Siro will be the most beautiful stadium in the world for its strong identity and recognizability,” AC Milan President Paolo Scaroni said.

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