Summary: Global design company Populous was selected by the State Corporation Olympstroy to design the main stadium for the 2014 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games to be held in Sochi, Russia. The stadium will seat up to 40,000 people and will incorporate several sustainable elements, such as natural lighting and ventilation. Populous (formerly HOK Sport) has also designed the master plan and overlay plan for competition and non-competition venues and facilities in Sochi.

The exterior design of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic main stadium will be sheathed in a crystalline skin that will be translucent.

The exterior of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic main stadium will be sheathed in a translucent crystalline skin. The design suggests the pebble-like, semi-transparent texture of the wings of a dragonfly or butterfly.

"The main stadium design, in addition to the venue overlay plan we have prepared for the 2014 Games, delivers a wonderful vision for the winter Olympics, and a lasting sustainable legacy for Sochi,” said John Barrow, a Populous senior principal. “Its sweeping form responds to both its coastal location and mountainous backdrop, while its crystalline skin engages with its surroundings by day, and provides an iconic representation of the color and spectacle of the games when illuminated at night."

Populous is joined in the design consortium by Russian contractor Engeocom and Botta Management. Populous also is responsible for the design of existing and newly built venues for the London 2012 Olympic Games.