Federation Island: an island for Russia’s super-rich

We’re already well aware of Dubai’s antics when it comes to making luxury islands, but did you know that similar plans are afoot in Russia?   An ambitious artificial island 10 miles off the Black Sea resort city of Sochi, venue for the 2014 Winter Olympics, is in the pipeline. Designed by Dutch architect Erik Van Egeraat, the 250-hectare Federation Island will be built in the shape of Russia, stretching from a manmade Kaliningrad.  The island will be connected to the city by a 4-lane bridge and two tunnels. Estimates for the total cost of the project, which is due to be completed prior to the 2014 Winter Olympics, seem to vary from $3bn to $6bn, depending on which reports you read.