Global design and consulting firm Woods Bagot has unveiled plans for a state-of-the-art modern-day Colosseum, which is to integrate environmentally conservative solutions and sophisticated technology to create a historically rich yet highly contemporary arena. Text by Lara Smetannikov.

Woods Bagot Sport Design Leader, Dan Meis, says of the 52,000 seat-structure, “Stadio della Roma will be one of Europe’s most sophisticated stadiums, and will be ground-breaking in the inclusion of a significant ancillary of development[s]…”

Reminiscent of the Colosseum in it’s form, Stadio della Roma is to feature a highly contemporary steel and concrete bowl, wrapped in a ‘floating’ stone scrim which intimately encloses the seating area and natural grass pitch. The polycarbonate-clad roof provides complete coverage of seating, alluding to the Colosseum’s original fabric canopy covering its upper tiers.

One of its more prominent features is the new Curva Sud or “curved stands”. A clearly delineated, separate section of 14,800 seats composed in raw, “muscular” architecture is to house AS Roma’s die-hard supporters. The proximity of seating to the pitch, far-reaching sightlines and unparalleled views are to create the ultimate, action-packed fan experience. Stadium-wide WiFi access and mobile connectivity are also to be implemented, thus amplifying the game-day experience.

The architecture of the stadium allows it to be easily transformed into multiple-stage configurations. Additionally, its retractable stage canopies, turf protection systems and rigging allows it to be a highly flexible concert venue with an expansion capacity of 60,000.

The stadium is also to implement an exclusive, super-premium club seating section of 600 seats. With direct access to a pitch-level club, spectators will be offered views of the teams as they enter and exit the pitch. To allow a dramatic entrance for players, the pitch level will feature a massive hydraulic lift, similar to the gladiator lifts of the original Colosseum.

The home of the 21^st century gladiators, the football players, is to be located at Tor di Valle, south-west of the historic city centre. Says Meis: “Rome has an unparalleled architectural history… to build a new home for AS Roma and the most passionate fans in football is heart-stopping.”

Woods Bagot
woodsbagot.com