The Milano Cortina Olympic Village, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), represents a visionary approach to urban development, extending its utility far beyond the brief 2026 Winter Games. This project transforms a former rail yard into a vibrant, sustainable community in Milan's Porta Romana area. Principal designer Colin Koop’s forward-thinking design ensures that the village, while serving its initial purpose for athletes, is meticulously planned for a future as student housing, complete with social spaces and ecological considerations. This development showcases how large-scale event infrastructure can be seamlessly integrated into a city's fabric, offering lasting benefits to its residents.
Transforming Olympic Housing into a Student Community
The Milano Cortina Olympic Village, initially designed to host athletes for the 2026 Winter Games, is envisioned as a versatile and enduring asset for Milan. Situated on a former rail yard, the project by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) focuses on creating a sustainable legacy for the Porta Romana area. Post-Olympics, the village will be thoughtfully adapted into dormitories accommodating approximately 1,700 students. This transformation involves minimal adjustments, highlighting the inherent flexibility and foresight embedded in the architectural plan. The six long buildings, each with seven floors, primarily feature single rooms equipped with private bathrooms, catering to the practical needs of student residents.
Beyond just accommodation, the design places a strong emphasis on fostering a dynamic and interactive student community. The ground level of the buildings will be activated by a variety of stores, restaurants, and bars, creating a lively urban environment. Additionally, two reconditioned train sheds on the site are slated to house public programming and additional amenities, further enriching the communal experience. A distinctive feature of the village is the inclusion of spacious terraces, nearly 13 feet deep, connecting the buildings at both the east and west ends. These aren't merely walkways but designated spaces for studying, dining, and social gatherings, designed to encourage interaction. Regional native plants will line these pathways, offering privacy without completely obstructing views, blending nature with urban living and promoting a sense of well-being among the inhabitants.
Sustainable Design and Community Integration
The construction of the Milano Cortina Olympic Village exemplifies efficiency and environmental consciousness, thanks to SOM's strategic use of prefabrication. This method significantly reduced both construction time and costs for the private developer. The process involved pouring concrete floor slabs, supported by steel columns and precast beams, after which ready-made bathroom units were craned into position. This layered approach allowed for rapid assembly, with successive slabs poured and bathroom units installed in an optimized sequence. The buildings' off-white facades are crafted from factory-made wooden panels, which were then plastered by skilled Italian artisans, blending modern construction techniques with local craftsmanship.
Sustainability is a core tenet of the village's design, evidenced by the extensive installation of photovoltaic panels on the roofs. These solar panels are projected to supply approximately one-third of the electricity required for the buildings, significantly reducing their carbon footprint and promoting energy independence. Beyond its functional role for the Olympic Games and future student housing, the architect, Colin Koop, envisioned the village as a valuable public asset for the broader neighborhood. The integration of ground-floor businesses, revitalized train sheds serving as public destinations, and accessible pathways through a park-like setting are all deliberate elements. Koop's intention was to create a true community hub, where residents and the public alike can interact, access services, and enjoy green spaces, making the Olympic Village a lasting and integral part of Milan's urban landscape.