Rome to renovate a sports arena made of prefabricated concrete

Palazzetto dello Sport is a prime example of modern prefab architecture and is much beloved by sports fans

Palazzetto dello Sport in the Olympic Village quarter of Rome is due for some much-needed refurbishment. The indoor sports arena, whose name translates to ‘Little Palace of Sport’, was unveiled in 1957 for the upcoming Summer Olympic Games in the Italian capital in 1960.

Gradual deterioration has necessitated for structural interventions to be implemented, among other renovation works. The municipal website informed that the construction company SAICO has won the tender to carry out the renovations for a budget of about 3 million euros.

It is mainly used for basketball and volleyball games

The authorities informed that works will focus on carrying out improvements in both the external appearance and the interior of the facility.

The interventions will involve the redevelopment of:

• the playing court areas with the reconstruction of the flooring, the air conditioning, electrical and lighting systems;
• the VIP area;
• the changing rooms and bathrooms;
• the functionality of the two stairlifts for people with disabilities;
• the roof waterproofing;
• restoration of the external balustrade area;
• restoration and conservation treatment of the concrete surfaces of the supporting buttresses of the dome.

A medical facility will also be built for the spectator area, as well as the addition of two rooms for administrative use.

“The Palazzetto dello Sport in Viale Tiziano will once again be the architectural masterpiece of Pier Luigi Nervi in ​​all its splendor. After the awarding of the tender for the assignment to the company that will carry out the restructuring, in fact, we will be able to see the work begin to finally make the facility totally usable. This will ensure the complete safety of the citizens and athletes who want to attend it. Another commitment made and maintained for our city,” declared the mayor of Rome, Virginia Raggi.

As mentioned by the Mayor, the arena is one of the works left by famed architect Pier Luigi Nervi (1891-1979), who specialized in structures made out of prefabricated concrete. Among his most famous works are the Olympic Stadium in Rome and the UNESCO headquarters in Paris.