Is this a good example of Italian innovation?

Interesting article, hope the funding comes thru. Makes me wonder about the Vancouver proposal to build a soccer stadium on stilts near the waterfront thus blocking ALL mountain views from Gastown! Thanks for posting.

Bob, I had forgotten about that Soccer Stadium in the downtown area. I assume it hasn't been built yet? I wonder if it will be funded privately, or whether this will be another use of our tax dollars? Hopefully they'll wait until the new roof on B.C. Place is paid for!

I think the whole idea has been scrapped or put on hold. I really like soccer, but can you imagine even dreaming of building a monster that blocks out all of the views!!

The planned stadium in Italy sounds like the design of the excavated football stadium at Clemson University. I've never been there, but I've been told that only the top 10 or 12 rows are above ground level - I guess that's why they nicknamed it Death Valley.

it's a fun and nice idea, but I'd sure like to see them put some of that money instead into saving its historical treasures that are crumbling.

The Oakland, CA Coliseum is built that way. I've attended a couple of games there. The first time, I was surprised that it looked like a long 10 ft wall and nothing else. Depending on the soil/rock you have to dig into, I could see it being an efficient approach as well as less of an eyesore.

Ken, do some research on the web. This isn't the first time this has been done so I'm not too sure you can call it Italian creativity.

Kathleen, This is the first time I've seen anything like this, so assumed it was an example of Italian innovation. Europeans are generally ahead of North America in many things, so that reinforced my impression (although it was apparently incorrect).

The stadium at Cal-State Fullerton is built into the ground as well. I hope this proposed stadium has good drainage! Looks like it could easily turn into a reservoir:)

"Europeans are generally ahead of North America in many things" And behind in many others.

I wonder if this Italian design firm can figure out a way to put strip malls underground!

Not strip malls, high-rise condos. :)