PALAVELA

Near the Lingotto, on the southern edge of the city. Built by architects Levi and Rigotti for the centenary of Italian Unity in 1961, this strange building was restored for the 2006 Olympic Games by the great Gae Aulenti (architect of the Musée d'Orsay) to house the ice-skating competitions. It's called "la Vela", after its sail-shaped roof, under which Gae Aulenti placed an enormous square red block. Today, the structure hosts sporting competitions, shows, concerts...