The stadium, designed by Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos SLP and Giraudi Radczuweit Architetti Sagl, integrates into the topography through a horizontal architectural design, defined by a large continuous roof and a transparent perimeter that maintains visual connections with the landscape and public space.
A structure of steel columns supporting the large metal roof rises above a concrete base that accommodates part of the service areas. The façade is conceived as a lightweight envelope of glass and metal profiles, reinforcing visual continuity between the interior, public space and the landscape.
With an approximate capacity of 8,200 spectators, the stands descend from the main entrance level towards the playing field, reducing the visual impact of the building. An upper ring organises spectator circulation while maintaining a continuous visual connection between the pitch and the outside environment. The layout allows for the separation of circulation routes for spectators, players, the press, staff and security personnel, as well as access to VIP areas.
Arena Sportiva by Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos SLP + Giraudi Radczuweit Architetti Sagl. Photograph by Fernando Alda.
Project description by Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos SLP + Giraudi Radczuweit Architetti Sagl
Context and architectural concept
The Arena Sportiva forms part of the new Polo Sportivo e degli Eventi (PSE) in Cornaredo, an operation intended to complete and reorganise Lugano’s sports infrastructure. The new stadium responds both to the need to replace existing facilities that are inadequate for high-level competitions and to the ambition to create an urban complex capable of integrating sports, institutional and tertiary uses. Together with the Palazzetto dello Sport, the Arena is one of the main components of the first phase of the complex.
The proposal is set within the Cassarate river valley through an architecture with a horizontal, unified profile. The building is conceived as a large roof plane resting lightly on a transparent perimeter. The stands begin at the main access level and descend towards the playing field, reducing the stadium’s volumetric presence and preserving visual connections with the surrounding landscape. This strategy allows the building to be perceived as a large piece of infrastructure integrated into the topography.
Public space is an essential part of the project. The stadium connects to an external system comprising the park to the west, Piazza degli Eventi and the north-south and east-west circulation axes. Level +300.00 acts as the main arrival level and as the forecourt to the stadium. From this level, the transparency of the façade maintains a direct visual relationship with the Arena interior. The complex is also designed according to universal accessibility criteria, providing step-free access to the stands.
Spatial organisation, seating bowl and spectator experience
The stadium occupies an area of approximately 151 x 116 m and has a maximum capacity of 8,200 covered spectators. The public mainly enters through a circulation ring at level +300.00, which coincides with the upper level of the stands on the north, south and west sides. From this ring, spectators have an overall view of the pitch, located 6.80 m below the main access level. On the east side, the topography allows access closer to pitch level.
The upper ring functions both as a distribution space and as a place for meeting and gathering. During breaks in the event, it allows spectators to experience the surrounding landscape and the atmosphere of the stadium simultaneously. Good visibility of the playing field defines the geometry and section of the spectator bowl, determining the arrangement and rake of the stands to ensure suitable sightlines from every seat.
The programme is organised primarily over four levels. At level +304.00 are the technical control and
security spaces, club offices and VIP boxes. Level +300.00 contains the main access and hospitality areas: VIP hospitality, the official store, ticket offices and club offices. Level -1 accommodates spectator services such as bars, toilets, merchandising and first aid, as well as the main 55-space car park, the museum, kitchen and reception. At level -2, closest to the pitch, are the changing rooms and the functions associated with players and referees, together with spaces for the press, staff, security and police.
Flows and stadium operations
In a football stadium, the organisation of flows is one of the fundamental design criteria, as it directly shapes the distribution and operation of the building. The arrangement of entrances, circulation routes, vertical cores and functional areas must respond to the different users of the stadium and to the need to maintain clear, safe and independent routes.
For this reason, flows have been studied for the different phases of stadium use: before the event, during the event and after it has ended, as well as for day-to-day operation. In each of these situations, the routes used by spectators, players and referees, press, staff, security, catering, VIP users and assistance services have been analysed and structured separately, avoiding interference between the different circulation systems.
During the event, this organisation allows each group to move efficiently within its area of use. Once the event has ended, the priority shifts to a rapid and orderly departure of the public, while maintaining the necessary separation between spectators, staff and different supporter sectors.
Materiality, envelope and roof
The stadium rests on an exposed-concrete plinth containing part of the service areas. Above this base, a structure of metal columns supports the large metal roof. The façade is conceived as a light, transparent skin of glass and metal profiles, reinforcing visual continuity between the interior, public space and landscape.
In the conditioned areas on the west side, the envelope provides enhanced thermal performance through a ventilated façade, insulation, thermally broken frames and triple glazing. The building is designed to meet Minergie energy requirements, specifically the MINERGIE ZA1 requirement. The roof combines a metal structure, profiled sheeting, insulation and a zinc finish; photovoltaic elements are integrated across its full extent.
Inside, the project favours robust, low-maintenance solutions: exposed concrete in stairs and circulation areas, resin flooring, precast elements for stands and stairs, resistant finishes in wet areas, and metal slats with acoustic treatment. The playing field is finished with approved synthetic turf and an undersurface heating system.
Flexibility, logistics and complementary uses
The stadium is conceived as infrastructure capable of accommodating different formats of use. In
addition to football matches with 8,200 and up to 10,000 spectators, the service and Food & Beverage
areas are designed for music events of up to 15,000 people, seminars, conferences and other activities compatible with the playing field. For concerts, temporary elements such as a stage, additional escape stairs and supplementary services can be incorporated.
Logistics are concentrated mainly along Via Stadio and on the south side. Direct access is provided for maintenance and event vehicles, together with loading and unloading areas and a TV Compound for
mobile press units. The 55-space car park serves the normal operation of the complex, while major events can draw on additional parking capacity in the surrounding PSE area and future nearby infrastructure.
Sustainability strategy
The project’s sustainability strategy is based on three lines of action:
1. Efficient thermal envelope. The building has Swiss Minergie energy certification. Its thermal envelope has been designed to minimise thermal bridges and reduce energy exchange between inside and outside, thereby lowering heating and cooling demand.
2. High-efficiency climate control. The climate-control system is connected to an urban thermal exchange network that uses water from Lake Lugano. The stable temperature of the lake, together with the use of residual heat from the scientific computing centre, makes it possible to meet heating
and cooling requirements with very low additional energy input.
3. Electricity generation and low consumption. The entire roof surface is dedicated to a photovoltaic installation that significantly exceeds the requirements of Minergie certification, turning the stadium into an energy generator for the neighbourhood. In addition, all lighting uses low-energy LED technology, reducing electricity demand and improving the building’s overall energy balance.
Regulatory criteria and summary
The project is developed in accordance with the Swiss Football League requirements for category A and
A-plus stadiums and with the UEFA Stadium Infrastructure Regulations, as well as cantonal provisions
and accessibility criteria. Coordination between architecture, safety, visibility, logistics, building services and operations allows the stadium to function simultaneously as a high-level sports venue and as an urban facility with a broader range of uses.
Conclusion
Overall, the Arena Sportiva is defined by three main ideas: integration into the topography, transparency of the perimeter and a large horizontal roof that unifies the building. These architectural decisions are complemented by a precise functional organisation capable of structuring different users and routes without losing spatial clarity. The result is a compact stadium, open to the landscape and prepared both for professional competition and for flexible use throughout the year.
