Italian architecture firm Novembre Studio has completed an innovative padel center called the Golden Goose Arena at Milan's prestigious CityLife development. The 12-meter-tall sports facility features a distinctive polycarbonate exterior and was specifically designed to complement the curved form of BIG's neighboring CityWave office building, which is currently under construction. The complex houses seven indoor padel courts, two outdoor courts, a cafe, lounge area, and a clothing shop.
The Golden Goose Arena's striking architectural design features a semi-transparent lower section topped by a translucent upper level that dramatically curves upward and extends 17 meters over the main entrance. The building's blocky form is entirely clad in polycarbonate panels, creating a unique aesthetic that transforms throughout the day. Located in a park within the CityLife district, which formerly served as Milan's trade fair grounds, the facility's gently curved shape was intentionally designed to mirror the swooping architecture of the adjacent CityWave building.
Novembre Studio emphasized that the design creates a harmonious dialogue between the two structures. "The arena was built right next to the CityWave building, responding to the recognizable curve of BIG's design with a mirror tilt," the firm explained. "The entrance to the building was raised, generating a dialogue between the two architectures, almost a dance – a symbolic portal that introduces CityLife from the northeast, a formal yet urban gesture that connects and orients."
The architects designed the Golden Goose Arena to blend seamlessly with CityLife's impressive skyline, which includes skyscrapers designed by renowned architects Zaha Hadid, Daniel Libeskind, and Arata Isozaki. The facility was conceived as more than just a sports center, serving as a social and cultural gathering space that promotes healthy living and community engagement. "Public in nature and accessible to all, the structure promotes a healthy and inclusive lifestyle, integrating perfectly with the urban and landscape design of CityLife," Novembre Studio stated.
The building's polycarbonate cladding serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, allowing natural light to filter into the interior during daytime hours while creating a dramatic glowing effect at night. "Made of polycarbonate, the structure transforms in the evening into a luminous lantern in the CityLife park, a symbol of energy and community," the architects noted. This lighting effect makes the facility a prominent landmark within the park setting.
Sustainability features prominently in the design, with photovoltaic panels installed on the roof to generate renewable energy. The interior showcases an exposed steel structure, creating an industrial aesthetic that complements the modern exterior. The transparent and translucent materials used throughout the building ensure that the facility remains visually connected to its surroundings while providing optimal lighting conditions for the padel courts.
The Golden Goose Arena represents the growing popularity of padel sports facilities in urban developments. Once BIG's CityWave office building is completed, it will feature a 140-meter-long sweeping roof entirely covered in photovoltaic tiles, creating a cohesive architectural dialogue between the two structures. The CityWave building topped out earlier this year and represents another significant addition to Milan's evolving architectural landscape.
This project joins other innovative padel facilities around the world, including a floating padel court constructed last year in Miami Harbor by investment firm Yntegra Group using recycled shipyard steel. The Golden Goose Arena stands as a testament to how sports architecture can enhance urban environments while promoting community wellness and sustainable design practices.
