Sochi stadium for Populous

The Populous architects practice has won the contract alongside Russian contractor Engecom and Botta Management to design the main 40000 seat stadium for the 2014 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Sochi, Russia.

The company had previously been appointed to design the master plan and overlay plan for the competition venues, the Winter Olympic village and supporting facilities, and the award of the main stadium design contract by Russian State Corporation Olympstroy represents a further expansion of the practice's involvement in the Games.

Senior principal at Populous, John Barrow said, "We are proud to be involved on such a level with Olympstroy. The main stadium design, in addition to the venue overlay plan delivers a wonderful vision for the 2014 Winter Olympics."

Mr Barrow said the stadium's sweeping form reflects both its coastal location and mountainous backdrop, while its crystalline skin has been selected to engage with its surroundings during the day, and provide an iconic representation of the colour and spectacle of the Games when illuminated at night.

The contract award represents a milestone for the Olympic movement because it means for the first time in its history a single design practice is working on two Olympic stadiums at one time. Populous is not only involved with Sochi, but also designed the main stadium and venues overlay for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.