David Chipperfield Architects reveals Olympic ice rink in Milan

Architecture studio David Chipperfield Architects has revealed photos of the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics, which begin next month.

Taken at an ice hockey test event earlier this month, the photos show the building's three-tiered facade and the main ice rink arena.

Located in the Santa Giulia district of Milan, the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena is the only permanent venue being built for this year's Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

Intended to have a capacity of 14,000, it will host the ice hockey events during the 2026 Winter Olympics, which begin on 6 February.

The arena is wrapped in three bands of vertical aluminium cladding separated by bands of glazing. Between these metal bands, LED strips were intended to turn the facades into a screen – although it is unclear if these are complete.

Within the arena the rink is surrounded by two tiers of seating, with corporate boxes above.

According to the studio, the building's form was informed by the city's Colosseum.

"The elliptical form of the building is inspired by the archetype of the amphitheatre, being reinterpreted with modern tectonics and materials," said David Chipperfield Architects.

The photos were taken during a test event for the Olympics on 9 January, amidst concerns that the area would not be fully completed in time for the opening of the games. The arena was intended to have a cavity of 14,000 for the games, but according to International Ice Hockey Federation president Luc Tardif it will be "a little bit short" with 11,800 seats.

However, the Olympic organisers said the event was proof that the venue would be ready to host the games during the Olympics.

"We have always been convinced that we could do it and this is the proof," said Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 chief games operations officer Andrea Francisi.

"​​It's an important test because it will allow us to replicate the Olympic days exactly, when we will have three games a day, and because it will allow us to understand how to improve the sporting elements and the organisation of the arena together with those who are working on it."

Also ahead of the games, Italian designer Marco Balich revealed a pair of cauldrons that will be set up in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo and we showcased the event's minimalist medals.

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