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Russian Olympic City's Vast Transformation
As it prepares to host the 2014 Winter Olympics, the Russian resort city of Sochi has transformed from a "blank slate" into the "world's biggest construction site".
This piece from Business Insider looks at how the city is getting ready for the event, and how those preparations are creating a long-term impact.
"On legacy and impact:
* The Games will go a long way to improve the environment. Green standards are being used for all new venue construction. They want to be as carbon-neutral as possible throughout the construction and the Games. There is also a lift for the Sochi national parks, which in turn will help save the snow leopard (being used as one of the mascots as well).
* The IOC measures a lot. There are 111 different social, economic and environment measurement points measured to show improvement. They are already showing positive results for the environment, disabled access and their volunteer program. This builds a legacy for the city and the country.
On planning and accessibility:
* They literally started from nothing, a "blank canvas" which was a big advantage allowing them to build an infrastructure. They are the biggest construction site in the world and have over 42,000 workers involved."
Published on Thursday, March 17, 2011 in
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