The Iris Foundation commissioned The Architecture Foundation to run an invitation only international architecture competition for concept masterplans for New Holland Island, St. Petersburg, Russia.
This competition for new urban ideas formed the first stage in the ongoing redevelopment of New Holland. 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.
The participating practices were:
Yuri Avvakumov & George Solopov (Russia)
David Chipperfield Architects (UK/Germany)
Dixon Jones (UK)
Lacaton & Vassal (France)
MVRDV (Netherlands)
OMA (Netherlands)
Studio44 (Russia)
WorkAC (USA)
The shortlisted practices were:
David Chipperfield Architects (UK/Germany)
MVRDV (Netherlands)
Studio44 (Russia)
WorkAC (USA)
The winning practice is:
WorkAC (USA)