St Petersburg Island ready for significant transformation

Three different architect companies have won a design contest to completely transform Vasilevskiy Island into a leisure destination as well as a commercial centre. Twelve teams took part in the contest attempting to win the vote to take on this project and this was narrowed down to just the Dutch team (comprising of two company’s) however, a Russian company was also asked to help as they have a more well-rounded knowledge of the area and regulations in place.

Rotterdam Studios KCAP Architects and Planners & Orange Architects will come together with Russian company A-Len to work on a 15 hectare plan for an area located in the West with the ultimate aim of bridging the gap between the water and the city. Russian company Glorex Development were the organisers of the design contest along with the municipality of St Petersburg.

Plans are in full flow and include golden Russian spires that will perch on large buildings separated by courtyards as the teams look to provide a mix of historical importance and traditions as well as modern ideas and new development. One plan that will stick to the traditions of the area is the idea of reddish brick work inside the auditorium which will replicate the same features that can be seen in some historical buildings. A waterfront park will be built with the intention of providing beautiful views of the city for all visitors which will also feature restaurants and sporting facilities. Water sports will be made available all year round as well as some seasonal ideas such as ice-skating in the winter.

The project is set to begin in 2016 and will take around seven to eight years to complete fully. The budget, provided by the municipality of Torun, is thought to be around €50 million.

The Dutch team have said “Our plan is a beautiful antechamber of the majestic historical centre of St Petersburg. The site will evolve to create an expressive, recognisable and iconic image. The colour scheme (in the auditorium) emphasises the dichotomy between the sites legacy, suggested by the use of brick work, and the technology and modernity of new urban developments. The project had to be developed with sensitivity to emphasise the surrounding historical values, while articulating that it is a new development”.

Vladimir Grigoriev, the Chair of the Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture and the Chair of the contest, said “It was important for us to ensure that the concept would enable the project to move ahead and, at the same time, would not bring about serious violations of existing standards. A project of this importance requires the well-tested approach of European countries, so the ideas of different architects will be realised in one concept, creating synergy as well”.