Brit David Chipperfield loses out to US firm WORKac in Russian competition organised by Architecture Foundation

British architect David Chipperfield has lost out to New York rival WORKac in the competition to redevelop St Petersburg鈥檚 New Holland Island.

The competition, organised by the Architecture Foundation, sought a masterplanner for the 100,000m2 redevelopment of the former army barracks on the 8ha island featuring a mixture of cultural space, flats and offices, as well as the restoration of some existing buildings.

Dutch practice MVRDV anbd Russian firm Studio 44 were also shortlisted.

Proposals were recently exhibited at the city鈥檚 Central Naval Museum with most of the 6,600 visitors backing the view of judges that WORKac鈥檚 plan should win.

WORKac鈥檚 winning proposal will create a 鈥渧ibrant cultural hub for the city鈥 boasting a public park encompassing an outdoor amphitheatre and performance space. An elevated promenade will link the park with the existing buildings.

WORKac principals Amale Andraos and Dan Wood said: 鈥淲e are very excited at the opportunity to work with the Iris Foundation and NHD on this critically important project for one of the world鈥檚 most beautiful cities.

鈥淥ur masterplan balances preservation with innovation, respecting St Petersburg鈥檚 past while paving the way for its continued artistic development and future.鈥

The competition was organised for the Iris Foundation, the cultural charity founded by Dasha Zhukova, partner of Chelsea boss Roman Abramovich.