WORKac designs new holland island cultural center in st. petersburg

‘new holland island’ by WORKac located in st. petersburg, russia all images © WORKac

based on their winning proposal in an international competition, new york-based architecture practice WORKac has been commissioned for the design of ‘new holland island’, located in st. petersburg, russia. the currently abandoned eight hectare island bound by canals and a river will be revived and transformed into a cultural center to include public spaces, performing arts, markets, and hotel.

amale andraos and dan wood, founders of WORKac, state in reference to winning the project’s commission:

‘we are very excited at the opportunity to work with the iris foundation and nhd on this critically important project for one of the world’s most beautiful cities. our master plan balances preservation with innovation, respecting st petersburg’s past while paving the way for its continued artistic development and future.’

existing industrial warehouses have been incorporated into the design to maintain the historical character of the area while voids and windows have been introduced to break down the monochromatic brick facades. a secured balloon will become a dynamic observation tower providing a unique viewing experience of the city. the public park’s topography forms an amphitheater while an elevated promenade set a stage for art installations that reflect the historical creativity of the urban center.

images below reflect WORKac’s design for which they won the project’s commission, and has since been revised: