Engineering Genius: Fisht Olympic Stadium, Russia

Photo: MIKHAIL MORDASOV/AFP/Getty Images

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The new Fisht Olympic stadium, under construction in the Imereti Valley in the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi, will be the central focus of Russia’s 2014 Winter Olympics, where it will host both the opening ceremony on February 7 and the closing ceremony.

The 40,000-capacity stadium has been designed by US-based architectural practice Populous (formerly HOK Sport), which has been behind a number of prestigious sports stadia including stadia for the London 2012 and Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Buro Happold has also provided engineering design.

The shell-like design has been inspired by Faberge eggs, while an opening at the northern end gives a view of the nearby Krasnaya Polyana mountains. Sea views to the south can also be seen on upper levels.

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The stadium can be configured in different ways, so that after the games have completed it can be used to host international football fixtures with a capacity of up to 45,000 spectators or smaller, local fixtures where seating can be reduced to 25,000 to create a more intimate atmosphere. The Russian national football team also intends to use the facility for training.

The Fisht Olympic stadium is expected to cost $63.5m to build and it is set to open later this year.