The 2014 Winter Olympics has commenced in Sochi within the shell of Populous’ Fabergé egg-inspired stadium. Built solely to host the opening and closing ceremonies, the Fisht Olympic Stadium's translucent polycarbonate roof bears a slight resemblance to the nearby, snow-capped peaks of the Caucasus Mountains. Once the Games are complete, the stadium’s 40,000-seat capacity will be expanded to accommodate the 2018 FIFA World Cup, before retiring as a scaled-down, 25,000-seat home venue for the local football team.
Populous’ stadium is just one of eleven purpose-built venues within the “Coastal Cluster” Olympic park. Check out a few others that caught our eye, after the break...
Bolshoy Ice Dome / SIC mostovik
The Bolshoy Dome, a 12,000-seat venue also inspired by the Russian’s iconic Fabergé egg, was built to host the ice hockey events. After the Games, the dome will serve as an "ultra-modern, world-class multi-purpose sports and entertainment center."
Iceberg Skating Palace / GUP MNIIP mosproject-4
The Iceberg Skating Palace is a movable, multi-purpose arena built for the 12,000 spectators hoping to catch a glimpse of the Game’s figure skating and short track speed skating events. Once it has fulfilled its purpose at Olympic Park, the "palace" will be dismantled and moved to serve as a skating center in another Russian city.
Shayba Arena / Stahlbau Pichle
This 7,000-seat, mobile arena named "Shayba," the Russian term for "puck," will be used by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) to host, alongside the neighboring Bolshoy Ice Dome, the ice hockey and Paralympic ice sledge hockey competitions. Once the games conclude, the arena will also be transported to a separate Russian city for use.
Adler Arena Skating Center / StoryInternational
The oval-shaped Adler Arena is designed for a capacity of 8,000 speed skating spectators. After its use in the 2014 Winter Olympics, it will be transformed into an exhibition center.
Did you know Populous’ also designed the 2012 London Olympic Stadium?
