Fosters\u2019 collaborator, Kansas City-based practice Manica, was founded by David Manica, lead architect on London\u2019s O2 arena while working for HOK Sport (now Populous). Manica is currently collaborating with Heatherwick Studio<\/a> on the new ground for Birmingham City.<\/p>\n Fosters is also drafting designs for Manchester United\u2019s new Old Trafford home and was famously behind the rebuilt Wembley Stadium.<\/p>\n \ufeff\ufeff<\/p>\n The redevelopment of the San Siro has a long and complex history, including a previous contest<\/a>-winning scheme in 2021 by Populous. This proposal was scrapped amid delays partly caused by the threat of a heritage listing for the San Siro.<\/p>\n Fosters\u2019 designs include \u2018diamond-shaped entrance structures\u2019, a continuous 360-degree bowl with two seating tiers providing \u2018exceptional sightlines\u2019 and a double-curved roof.<\/p>\n The practice said this roof was \u2018more than an architectural statement; it frames and emphasises the two iconic \u201ccurvas\u201d, creating a powerful visual identity while integrating photovoltaic technology, acoustic optimisation and other sustainability features essential to a modern stadium.\u2019<\/p>\n It added: \u2018While the architecture is new, the ambition is clear: preserve the atmosphere, emotion, and sense of belonging that makes San Siro one of football\u2019s most iconic stages. The new stadium has been designed around one principle above all else: bringing supporters closer to the action and maximising the intensity of the matchday experience.\u2019<\/p>\n The planned demolition of the original ground has proved controversial. In 2020, more than 175 architects, writers, historians, professors wrote to Milan\u2019s Beppe Sala calling for the stadium to be saved<\/a> and for its continued use. The letter included the lines: \u2018We would rather avoid the repetition of what happened to the Wembley Stadium in London \u2013 another symbolic building barbarously demolished in 2003 and replaced by a much more banal structure. Not to mention the enormous disposal costs of steel and reinforced concrete structures, both in economic and environmental terms.\u2019<\/p>\n Fosters\u2019 Milan stadium, which will sit within a wider 281,000m\u00b2 urban regeneration project, is expected to start on site in 2028, once the latest plans are approved. The clubs hope to play their first matches in the new ground in the 2031\/32 season.<\/p>\n The original San Siro stadium<\/p>\n Source: Shutterstock\/Arcansel<\/p>\n![\"Shutterstock](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/shutterstockarcanselviewofsansirostadiumofficiallyknownasstadiogiuseppemeazzabeforethe2016uefachampi.jpeg\")
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