Juventus Stadium A Modern Architectural And Engineering Success

A couple of years back, Juventus officials were keeping secret the details of the construction of its new Stadium in Turin (Torino).

From Bleachereport:

"...For the last few years Juventus have been constructing what is set to be not only one of the best looking stadiums in the world but the most technologically advanced arena in the world. Word from the Juventus camp is that the stadium will seat 41,000 people, comprise of a shopping centre and have a heated pitch. Seats in the stadium are now closer than ever to the pitch, whilst they also form a pattern that can be seen from afar."

Indeed, it is an example of architectural and engineering achievement in environmental technology. From Wiki:

The construction project aimed to ensure a low environmental impact of the work of the construction site via the use of advanced environmentally sustainable technologies.This stadium is constructed to reduce energy consumption from non-renewable energy sources by reducing waste and optimizing the resources available. The stadium can produce the electricity it needs using solar energy captured through photovoltaic panels; it produces warm water which heats rooms, changing rooms, kitchens and football field through a network of district heating, heats hot water for the dressing rooms and kitchens of restaurants using solar thermal systems. These alternative energy sources are aimed at helping stadium meet the criteria dictated by the Kyoto protocol by generating multiple results:

• Reductions of greenhouse gases
• No air pollution
• No risk of fire
• Integration with district heating
  
• Containment of waste
• Intensive exploitation of solar energy through solar tracker tools
• No production of chemical or acoustic emissions
• Reuse of rainwater
• Reduction of at least 50% of water needed for irrigation of the field

Italian soccer clubs have been experiencing declining revenues the last couple of years having been. Though still among the wealthiest clubs, Juventus is currently in the process of reestablishing itself as  perennial power in Italian and European soccer.

As for the capacity. I'm not sure why it was capped at 41 000. I reckon it's a combination of Juve and Serie A not generally surpassing those numbers and environmental considerations. However, it was designed so that it could add another 15 000 seats if required.

More details here.

And who was charged to build Juventus Stadium?

Pininfarina.

"A futuristic, environment-friendly stadium built with cutting-edge technology to offer maximum comfort and security in all areas. The new Juventus stadium was conceived not only as a venue where people will watch football, but also as a meeting and recreation centre, to be enjoyed seven days a week.   In this perspective, Pininfarina Extra’s contribution was fundamental, developing once again an unmistakable style for what is an icon of the city of Turin."

Sharp pics in link.

Italian Funds Fuels Diplomas For Blind Journalists

A cultural news item of note I feel.

From the Anna Lindh Foundation:

"The first diplomas in a course for blind journalists have been awarded in a ceremony in Beirut, a project co-funded by Italy with 150,000 euros.

As part of the same initiative, Italy also funded the publication of a Braille weekly distributed with daily An Nahar.

The training programme has two objectives: improving the ability of reporters through the most recent media technologies and encouraging blind youths to take up journalism as a profession. (ANSAmed)."