Perspective's Vienna based Oliver Sonnbichler has been appointed to design one of the largest new sports facilities in Russia.
The "sportsworld" project in Astrakhan is currently in design and consists of several buildings – an indoor gymnasium and a swimming
and high diving pool. The outdoor sports facilities include an aqua park, a 150-bedroom sports hotel with fitness centre, restaurant and
14 tennis courts. The mission also includes the design of the infrastructure, parking and landscaping.
The project is funded by the local authorities and developed by an Austrian General Contractor.
Phase 1 is the gymnasium, designed as a multifunctional arena, based on the international standards for indoor sports facilities and
it has a seating capacity for 7500 spectators. With the exception of the foundations the construction of the building is designed to be
completely prefabricated, shipped to Astrakhan and assembled in an 8-month period on site. All components for the construction of
the roof and the grandstands are made of lightweighted laminated wood elements which are produced in the European Union, using
standard elements and assembly methods.
Construction started with the foundation works in September 2004. Opening celebrations for this highly representative public building
are planned for mid 2006. Phase 2 is planned for 2005 - 2007.
The "Sportsworld" project was the opportunity for Oliver Sonnbichler to create a fully licensed architectural and engineering affiliate in
Astrakhan. The possibility of providing services through local offices in Moscow and St. Petersburg will be explored in the near future.