bolshoy ice dome lights up sochi 2014 winter olympics

bolshoy ice dome lights up sochi 2014 winter olympics
photo © 2014 XXII winter olympic games

forming another important part of sochi’s olympic park, the ‘bolshoy ice dome’ will host prestigious ice hockey events throughout the games. completed by local practice SIC mostovik, the 12,000 seat arena emerges as a smooth ellipsoid pebble, reminding visitors of a faberge egg – closely associated with russian culture and heritage. located only 300 meters from the water’s edge, the undulating glazing reflects the waves crashing against the adjacent shore. the same expansive window allows guests to enjoy views across the olympic park, framed by the caucasus mountains and the black sea.

the ice hockey arena takes the shape of an ellipsoid pebble
photo courtesy of SIC mostovik

the structure is clad with reflective white aluminum panels, comprising numerous LEDs, which bring a dynamic sense of color and vibrancy to the venue. standing at a height of 40 meters, the dome’s total surface area is 31,745 square meters with a maximum internal span of 193 meters. visitors enter the venue at ground level where an open public foyer allows congregation and interaction. shadows and reflected light are cast across the foyer’s glossy surfaces, while the closer one moves towards the central ice rink the more textured and colored the interior becomes.

entrance leading to the ‘bolshoy ice dome’
photo courtesy of SIC mostovik

inside the main auditorium, seats are colored from deep red to light grey allowing the focus to naturally shift towards the sporting action. below ground, the arena also houses training facilities, media center, technological premises, and provision for car parking.

for further projects relating to the sochi games, see designboom’s coverage here.

the white stadium is clad in reflective aluminium panels
photo courtesy of SIC mostovik

expansive windows allow guests to enjoy views across the park
photo courtesy of SIC mostovik

interior view of the stadium lobby
photo courtesy of SIC mostovik

seats are colored from deep red to light grey
photo courtesy of SIC mostovik

the arena’s LED lit facade brings a dynamic sense of vibrancy to the venue
photo courtesy of SIC mostovik

the stadium gently illuminated at night
photo courtesy of SIC mostovik

aeriel view of the arena with the olympic park
photo courtesy of SIC mostovik

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project info:

architects: SIC mostovik
location: sochi, russia
project team: alexander knyazev, oleg tsymbal, nikita tsymbal, dmitry akulin, inna sitaeva , natalya temnikova , valia vdovina, andrey zinoviev, natalia egorova, igor kolchanov, ilya dobzhinsky
engineers: andrey ustinov, andrey veter
structural engineers: inforce project
project year: 2009-2012
construction year: 2009-2012
contractor: SIC mostovik
client: SC olymptroy
constructed area: 96,115 sqm
capacity: 12,0000 spectators, 2 ice rinks
photography:
eхterior photos by nikita tsymbal, andrey veter, michael pakhotin, vyacheslav andreev
interior photos by nikita tsymbal