Vasilievsky Island, St. Petersburg

Realizing its need to grow, while preserving its historic core, St. Petersburg is reclaiming 450 hectares of prime waterfront at the western end of Vasilievsky Island. Gensler has created a plan that offers not only a new financial center for the city, but makes the Island a comfortable place to work and live year-round. To mitigate subzero temperatures, Gensler's plan includes a below-grade circulation level that facilitates movement between buildings and provides Metro access. In addition to parks, many of the buildings feature roof gardens to take advantage of the summer months. The plan calls for compact, walkable, transit-served neighborhoods.