Nine international practices are taking part in the invitation-only architectural competition for conceptual master-plan ideas to inform the future development of New Holland Island in St. Petersburg, Russia.
The participating practices are:
Yuri Avvakumov (Russia)
Alexander Brodsky (Russia)
David Chipperfield Architects (UK/Germany)
Dixon Jones (UK)
Lacaton & Vassal (France)
MVRDV (Netherlands)
OMA (Netherlands)
Studio44 (Russia)
WorkAC (USA)
This competition for new urban ideas forms the first stage in the ongoing redevelopment of New Holland. The selected architects are currently working on their concept designs and the Master-Planning Consultant will be appointed and announced in spring of 2011, preceded by a shortlist announcement in March.
As part of the wider strategy for New Holland, there are plans to invite other collaborators to put forward creative suggestions that will in turn form part of a public exhibition scheduled to take place in Russia later this year. Amongst the artists confirmed to participate are Ilya and Emilia Kabakov.
New Holland is an 8-hectare island bordered by two canals and a river in the heart of St Petersburg, within 20-minutes walk of the Hermitage and the city's other major cultural sites. The island was conceived by Peter the Great in 1719, and became Russia's first military port in 1721. It has belonged to the military since its foundation and has thus been closed to general public use for its nearly 300-year history.
On November 15, 2010, New Holland Development (NHD, a Millhouse group company) won an investment tender held by the city of St Petersburg to redevelop New Holland, committing to invest at least 12 billion rubles over a construction period of 7 years.
The Iris Foundation is acting as the creative operator of the project on behalf of NHD. Iris has commissioned The Architecture Foundation in London to carry out the design competition.
For press enquiries please contact:
For New Holland Development:
John Mann, Millhouse LLC
Tel: +7 495 961 1307
Email: john.mann@millhouse.ru
For Iris Foundation:
Erica Bolton, Bolton Quinn
Tel: +44 207 221 5000
Email: erica@boltonquinn.com