Fisht Olympic Stadium | Populous

Populous has designed the main stadium, Fisht Olympic Stadium, which will be flexible enough to facilitate the Olympic ceremonies, then act as a venue for FIFA World Cup matches in 2018 before finally becoming a home for a local football team. The unique shell-like stadium design has been inspired by the Russian icon, the elaborate jewel-encrusted Faberge egg. Populous has also designed the masterplan and overlay for both the competition and non-competition venues for the games. The "Fisht" Olympic Stadium is located in the Olympic Park so that the spectators have a magnificent view on both mountain peaks in the north and the sea in the south. The design of the "Fisht" Olympic Stadium in Sochi is unique across Russia. For the first time in the construction of a large-scale structure, a translucent polycarbonate roof will be used which will give the building an appearance of snowy peaks, ensuring it sits in harmony with the landscape of the Imeretinskaya Valley and the Caucasus Mountains. In the building’s design safety for visitors, workers, and athletes was paramount. Moreover, environmental risks and losses related to the building construction and use have been minimized. The stadium’s design was developed to meet the requirements of the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) as well as international best practice in accessibility for people with disabilities. After the 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Games the "Fisht" Olympic Stadium will be used as a venue for Russian national football team matches and as a training center. It will also host mass entertainment events and shows.