Crystal Island is a proposed building project in Moscow, Russia that is currently planned to have around 2,500,000 square metres (27,000,000 square feet) of floor space and a height of 450 metres (1,300 ft) designed by Norman Foster. At these dimensions upon completion would be one of the largest structures (in floor space) on earth. The architectural firm behind the design is Foster and Partners.
The tent-like superstructure rises to 450 m, and forms a breathable "second skin" and thermal buffer for the main building, shielding the interior spaces from Moscow’s weather. This second skin will be sealed in winter to minimise heat losses, and open in summer so that the interior can be cooled naturally. The building is integrated into a new park, which will provide a range of activities throughout the year, with cross country skiing and ice skating in the winter.
It is stated to have a multitude of cultural, exhibition, performance, hotel, apartment, retail and office space, as well as an international school for 500 students.
The building will be powered by built-in solar panels and wind turbines.[3]Efficient energy management includes on-site renewable and low-carbon energy generation.
