WSBSPORT deals with engineering and architectural aspects needed to build sport facilities. Luca Bartolini as CTO deals every aspects of sports centers. He deals with product research and quality control, management of the production cycle, technical visits as well as all the design, all aspects needed to build sports facilities. Luca Bartolini has worked in the indoor soccer sector since 2014. Together with Pierfrancesco Iazeolla, Miguel Bonilla and Romain Sombret he is part of the leading team at WSBSPORT. Due to his knowledge of different languages Luca travels the world curating numerous projects in different continents.
- What will the new technologies in the construction of soccer pitches look like in the future?
For WSB the future technologies in field construction will have to focus on two key points: the first is to create a “Football 2.0” experience in order to offer experiential sports environments thanks to the use of new devices, which are all necessary aspects needed to build sport facilities. Social media will play a key role in transforming a simple game between friends in a more compelling experience. In addition, sports centers will have to offer, not only the use of the fields, but additional services and activities. The second point concerns the materials and the search for simplification. in the past, synthetic fields without filling were frowned upon because it was thought they would ruin faster and many customers complained of having a less real experience during the game. Now, many clients understand that these technique and materials allows us to simplify the assembly, maintenance and cleaning of the fields. Materials will also be used in different ways, the use of glass for example is something that we are currently exploring.
- Why choose WSBSPORT?
WSBSPORT is approached by people who know the brand because they know that we are among the few players operating in the global sector and because we are the best. WSBSPORT is also contacted by those who not only want to build sport facilities but require a full on consultancy service. Our service is 360°, we can offer marketing services, manage maintenance and elaborate feasibility and investment plans.
- Have you faced challenges to work in different continents such as America and Asia?
There are fewer differences than we imagine. A common perception is that organisation in some countries is perfect, in reality it is not. In addition to cultural barriers, we need to be able to deal with different ways of working. In China, workers are less specialised. This involves more complicated management, knowing how to move on the construction site and explaining certain mechanics and procedures with more detail. In America I had to face the challenge of a different measurement system, the Imperial Units. Lastly, there is a huge difference between design and field work.
- Do you have a project that you are particularly attached to?
Surely Shanghai, it was the first WSBSPORT project that I totally managed throughout all its phases. I worked closely with the workers in China and I carried out all the tests on the materials. For this project, we developed a partnership with PSG (Paris Saint Germain), which required careful design of the smallest details. The high expectations required by the French club were met and the inauguration was a success. This experience allowed me to get to know China, a beautiful reality that is certainly very different from ours.