KCAP Architects&Planners and ORANGE Architects won the first prize in the urban and architectural competition for the most western tip of Vasilievsky Island in St. Petersburg. With its important role in the historical outreach of St. Petersburg towards the West, Vasiliesvky Island will become the most prominent manifestation of the city of St. Petersburg on the Gulf of Finland. With the urban plan, the 15 ha site will become a new part of the city with a diverse mix of urban functions facilitating and interconnecting the surrounding areas. It will become a new face of St. Petersburg as entrance of the city from the water.
The design concept of KCAP and ORANGE focuses on enhancing the iconic value of the city of St. Petersburg and on creating an attractive and high-quality environment for living, working and recreation. The peninsula will be enlarged with a park to enjoy the waterfront at the Finnish Bay. Solid blocks and a diversity of enclosed urban courtyards define the urban layout and refer to the historical structure of St. Petersburg. Towers form the layer above the urban blocks. They allow for spectacular panorama views to the sea and the city center. Topped with gold-coloured spires, in the tradition of St. Petersburg's architecture, a unique landmark silhouette of Vasilievsky Island evolves and creates an expressive, recognizable and iconic image.
