In the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Russia, the 2014 Winter Olympics are currently underway in stadia and arenas designed by the world renowned practice of Populous. With studios located around the world, the architectural firm has already proved itself as the global leader in the design and construction of sports venues, in particular during the Sydney 2000 Olympic games and more recently at the 2012 London Olympics.
As the entire complex had to be created from scratch, Populous put forward a Masterplan of the entire Olympic Park complete with a series of permanent and temporary structures which would incorporate a high element of operational efficiency, combined with a deep respect for the environment. The most impressive of the venues is the three sided Fisht Olympic stadium, constructed on an elevated site, affording it views of the park. Its temporary roof of translucent polycarbonate, capable of hosting light shows, is of an intricate design which references the patterns on the iconic Faberge jewelled eggs. Currently seating 40.000, it was designed to host the opening and closing ceremonies but its capacity will be extended to 45.000 for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. It will ultimately remain in place as a sports facility for the area, but on a smaller scale after being downsized to a 25.000 seat venue.
The Fisht stadium is one of the eleven structures designed by Populous within the Olympic Park, some of which are destined to be dismantled and erected in other Russian cities while others will remain as part of the facilities in the resort, as part of a long term plan to re-establish Russia as a destination capable of hosting a number of world class events, a status not held by the country since the Moscow Olympics in 1980.
