The CityLife padel arena designed by Fabio Novembre is “dismantlable”

In Milan’s CityLife district, Golden Goose has just inaugurated a permanent pavilion dedicated to padel. The Italian street-style brand, founded in 2000 and known worldwide for its sneakers that reproduce the worn-out look typical of skaters’ shoes, has made its debut in the world of padel by investing in the Golden Goose Arena, designed by Fabio Novembre and his studio. The project was commissioned by SmartCityLife and supported by Atlante, an international leader in fast charging for electric vehicles powered by 100% renewable energy.

Right in the Milanese neighborhood that in recent years has become a stage for international star architects — from the three towers by Zaha Hadid, Daniel Libeskind, and Arata Isozaki to the more recent CityWave by BIG — the new pavilion stands out with a strong architectural statement: a large 17-meter curved cantilever that welcomes visitors and visually connects with Bjarke Ingels’ project, who is also the guest editor of Domus for 2025.

“Many resources have been invested — we’re talking about eight-figure numbers — but what matters is that not everything has to yield a return when you want to do something for the community,” said Silvio Campara, CEO of Golden Goose, during the inauguration of the space. “Brands must create value, and this padel stadium — the first in the world to also have an outdoor area open to everyone — creates an enormous amount of it.”

Standing 12 meters high and covering a surface of 2,800 square meters, the pavilion’s exterior combines an upper section made of Aluzinc — a metallic material commonly used in construction — with a semi-transparent polycarbonate base, giving an impression of lightness and transparency. “In this CityLife context, which brings together the best international architects and has created this unique architectural park in Europe, one must fit in with lightness — one must dance. I like to imagine all of this as a dance of architectural volumes,” comments Fabio Novembre. He told Domus that the structure can be dismantled in just two days: “We know that the city’s needs may change, so we don’t claim to be eternal. Being nomadic, not static, in this context is a fundamental advantage.”

The complex includes six indoor courts, one Pro court, two outdoor vintage courts, and a panoramic lounge, as well as a Golden Goose store featuring a new capsule activewear line — a collection entirely dedicated to padel and customizable through the Co-Creation service, available exclusively in the Arena store. The bar, which connects directly to the store, will soon be joined by an outdoor kiosk (still under construction) and a dining area. The goal is to create a hub that unites sport, design, and community — one that, “instead of bringing out the brand, brings out the people,” according to Golden Goose’s vision.

Opening image: Photo Alberto Fanelli