Introduction: Historical Context and Contemporary Relevance The 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, officially designated as the XXV Olympic Winter Games, are scheduled to be hosted across the Italian regions of Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. This event signifies the return of the Winter Games to Italy two decades after Turin 2006 and seventy years following Cortina's debut in 1956. The Organising Committee "Milano Cortina 2026" frames the project not merely as a sporting tournament but as a strategic instrument for the sustainable development of an entire macro-region, elevating its study within the fields of urban planning, sports management, and cultural studies. The forthcoming Olympics propose a model distinctly different from the practice of constructing new, isolated clusters, instead emphasizing integration into the existing infrastructure and heritage of two geographically and culturally distinct locations. Conceptual Framework: Digitalization and Environmental Agenda A cornerstone of the 2026 Games' preparation is their comprehensive digital transformation. Organizers have announced the creation of a unified digital platform designed not only for broadcasting competitions but also for managing logistics, security, and audience engagement. This platform aims to minimize paper-based documentation and optimize visitor flows, aligning with the broader trend of implementing smart technologies in metropolis governance. Concurrently, an ambitious environmental program is being executed, centered on the principle of achieving a net-zero carbon footprint. The majority of competitions will utilize modernized venues inherited from the 2006 Turin Games and other international events. New construction is minimized, and where essential, it adheres to the highest energy efficiency standards and employs sustainable materials. This approach represents a deliberate shift away from gigantism towards the pragmatic reuse of existing assets. Spatial Organization: A Bipolar ... Read more