Olympic transformation

The shift in approach occurred with the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, which became the first true example of successful urban regeneration. The Catalan city transformed a degraded industrial area in the Olympic Port district, which is now a lively and active neighborhood, serving as a model of integration between sports infrastructure, residential areas, and public spaces. Similarly, the 2012 London Olympics provide another emblematic case: the East End area, previously industrial and marginalized, was revitalized through the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. This green and infrastructural hub now hosts residences, offices, public spaces, and sports facilities that are still in use today.

These examples marked a turning point for Olympic architecture: the era of "cathedrals in the desert"—monumental structures that remained unused after the event—was replaced by an approach focused on the post-Games period. Today, every Olympic project must envision a new life for the infrastructure, integrating it into the urban fabric with lasting value in social, economic, and environmental terms. Today's Olympic architects have a clear mission: to combine the functionality required by the event with a long-term vision, where the infrastructure does not end with a sporting event but becomes a driving force for sustainable and inclusive urban regeneration.

The Olympics that Milan will share with Cortina in the winter of 2026 are no exception. Thus, the Milanese neighborhoods involved in the project become symbols of innovation, sustainability, and contemporary architecture, redefining the face of the metropolis.

Scalo di Porta Romana, from the Olympic Village to the largest student residence in Italy
The Olympic Village, the heart of the transformation of the Scalo di Porta Romana, is set to become an urban landmark long after the Games have concluded. Designed with a long-term vision, the space will be repurposed into the largest student residence in Italy, with 1,700 beds spread across structures designed to enhance quality of life and study.

The project goes beyond just residential spaces: the creation of shared areas such as gyms, coworking spaces, and green areas will provide a new sense of centrality to the neighborhood, making it accessible and usable for the local community as well. A key element of the project is the architectural recovery of historic buildings, such as the former Officina Squadra Rialzo (one of the structures equipped with special stands for lifting trains), which, with its railway history, interacts with the new modern development.

Santa Giulia, between green spaces, new forms of relaxation, and major events.
The district of Santa Giulia is one of the most ambitious urban regeneration projects. Here, the architecture revolves around a green and sustainable vision: 3,500 new residences are planned, set within a cutting-edge urban context.
A central element is the large urban park, with a new artificial lake. These open spaces, integrated into the residential architecture, embody the new idea of a city that, after decades of traffic, smog, and a focus on productivity, is returning to place nature at the heart of daily life.

The symbol of the neighborhood, however, will be the Arena Santa Giulia, an iconic 16,000-seat venue that, initially serving as a stadium for the ice hockey tournament, will become a hub for cultural and musical events of international significance. Designed with a keen focus on sustainability and urban integration, the Arena is set to become an architectural landmark, featuring modern and functional lines.

The Santa Giulia project goes beyond just residential areas and events: the neighborhood will also house a branch of the Milan Conservatory, with spaces dedicated to 1,500 students and 200 beds. A perfect combination of education, culture, and urban design, capable of attracting young people and creatives, lending the area a dynamic and contemporary identity.

Furthermore, smart infrastructure and sustainable mobility solutions will ensure seamless integration with the rest of the city, transforming Santa Giulia into a true model of future urban planning.

The Scalo di Porta Romana and Santa Giulia represent two complementary aspects of Milan's upcoming transformation: one more social and community-oriented, the other a symbol of culture and entertainment. In both cases, the city reaffirms itself as an open-air laboratory, where architecture, sustainability, and innovation merge into a single urban vision.