The international architectural firm MMA Projects presents the design for the new Cantù Arena. The new Arena is envisioned as a symbol of rebirth and modernity, serving as a landmark for the city of Cantù and the entire Lombardy region.
Located a short distance from the city center and directly connected to major roadways and a nearby shopping center, the facility spans a total area of 27,910 square meters. This new sports and multifunctional complex has been designed to meet the needs of a dynamic community, providing a space where sports, entertainment, and culture converge. The project exemplifies a virtuous approach to contemporary architecture applied to a multifunctional space.
With a projected seating capacity of over 5,200 and a complementary training field, the Arena is designed to accommodate various scenarios, enhancing the facility’s multifunctionality. In addition to basketball games, it will host conventions, shows, fairs, concerts, multiple indoor sporting events, and social activities of all kinds, including an ice rink due to recent modifications.
The new sports facility will be built on the site that housed the PalaBabele construction in the early 1990s, one of Italy’s most emblematic unfinished projects designed by architect Vittorio Gregotti. The structure was conceived as a pyramid with a projected capacity of 7,300 spectators, but construction was halted in 1993 due to rising costs, and it was ultimately demolished in July 2010. Subsequently, between 2010 and 2012, the Brescia-based company Turra Costruzioni initiated the construction of a new sports hall with a capacity of 7,000, nicknamed PalaTurra. Economic difficulties led to the project’s abandonment, leaving parts of the reinforced concrete in a state of disrepair. These remnants, unused for over a decade, were demolished and crushed in the spring of 2024, with the aim of recovering materials for the construction of the new facility, thereby giving them new value and dignity.
Characterized by a design inspired by octagonal geometry, the main body of the Arena not only offers solidity and versatility but also creates an aesthetic balance between tradition and modernity. The structure has been designed to harmoniously integrate with the surrounding urban landscape, reducing visual impact through a glass facade that reflects the external context during the day and creates a transparency effect in the evening thanks to internal lighting.
Great attention has been paid to minimizing the overall carbon footprint by favoring easily recyclable materials, promoting the principles of circular economy, and using recycled materials where possible, including those from the planned demolition of the old building’s reinforced concrete structures. The kinetic facade designed by Denvelops for the new Cantù Arena represents an interesting integration of design, sustainability, and energy efficiency. This facade consists of hybrid “texTILES,” modular panels that move and adapt to environmental conditions such as wind and sunlight. The glass facade is equipped with external LED panels that create spectacular visual effects, particularly during evening events.
The three-level interior of the structure features approximately 5,200 seats and a training field. The basement will be partially dedicated to athletes and referees, with changing rooms, gyms, and a medical area, and will also house a press area and a VIP lounge with direct access to the field. The playing field is located on the same level, accessible to athletes through two separate entrances, along with the training field. The main entrance for local supporters is located on the ground floor. The upper floor will feature a bar area, a section for visiting fans (with separate access), a press gallery, and 8 skyboxes with restricted access. The central big screen and LED panels will complete the design of the new sports hall, providing spectators with an immersive 360° experience of the game.
For further information, visit the website www.mmaprojects.com.
CREDITS
Project: Cantù Arena
Studio: MMA Projects
Consultants: Mens. Teknolab & Design, Schinetti G., Redaelli & Associati, Studio Luoni, Studio Gerosa, ASM Global
Location: Cantù, Como, Italy
Year: In progress
