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7 extraordinary superyachts designed by famous architects

Earlier this year, residents began moving into Brooklyn’s newest and most expensive condo building: Olympia Brooklyn. Located in DUMBO, the 33-story structure, designed by Hill West Architects, is just the latest in the borough’s ever-evolving skyline. However, unlike other neighboring high rises that reach into the sky, Olympia is shaped like an unfurled sail, appearing ready to cut through the nearby East River any second.

The building is yet another example that architects, particularly modern ones, love nautical themes. Le Corbusier was deeply inspired by ocean liners and wrote about them in his 1923 book, Towards a New Architecture; Frank Gehry cited sails as a reference point when designing the Guggenheim Bilbao; Santiago Calatrava’s Milwaukee Art Museum is shaped like a boat ready to coast into Lake Michigan; and even Frank Lloyd Wright —who only designed one coastal home—used the opportunity to create a house shaped like a ship’s bow.

It’s no surprise, then, that many architects have also turned their attention to yacht and ship design in recent years. But just how do their creative tendencies transfer from skyscrapers and cities to the nautical and maritime? Below AD looks at seven superyachts designed by architects to help answer that question.

Unique Circle Yachts, Zaha Hadid

Perhaps one of Zaha Hadid’s greatest strengths was her ability to make nearly anything she touched instantly recognizable as her own. And nothing proves this more than the group of five superyachts the architect designed in 2013. Featuring bold, white curves and organic lines, the design is classic Hadid—only in nautical form. “Each yacht is an engineered platform that integrates specific hydrodynamic and structural demands together with the highest levels of comfort, spatial quality, and safety,” Hadid said in a press release at the time of the boats’ debuts. The architect worked with German shipbuilding and engineering firm Blohm+Voss, which brought boating-specific technical expertise to the project.

Also read: This stunning home in Egypt looks like a modern sphinx

YachtPlus Fleet, Norman Foster

Though yachts may appear to be a relatively newer fascination among architects, Norman Foster has been working on them for years. He began taking on naval projects in 1993, though he has most recently completed three superyachts— Ocean Emerald, Ocean Pearl and Ocean Sapphire —as part of a series of yachts known as The YachtPlus Fleet . Similar to a time share, eight buyers share ownership of the boats and are granted a total of 30 days per year onboard. Each ship is made from aluminum alloy and feature spacious cabins for maximum comfort.

Kirribilli, Renzo Piano

Working with Vismara Yacht Design, Renzo Piano and Emanuela Baglietto (an architect employed at his firm) designed the 60-feet monohull Kirribilli . Launched in 2001, the sailing boat features deliberate minimalism and simplicity—an homage to racing yachts of the 1930s. The flush deck complements the topsides of the vessel, which were originally painted emerald green but are now white.

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Foggy, Frank Gehry

Foggy, as this yacht is called, got its name from the designer’s initials: F-O-G, for Frank Owen Gehry. Though it may sound a little self-indulgent, it makes sense when one learns who the client was—Gehry himself. According to Dezeen , Gehry is an avid sailer and often often draws inspiration from sails when designing buildings—besides the Guggenheim Bilbao, take Foundation Louis Vuitton as another example. Working with naval architect Germán Frers, the sloop is made from larch wood with a glass lattice work on the deck. “I never had the resources before, and once I did I was busy doing my buildings,” the architect told Town & Country in 2015, speaking on his lifelong dream of designing a boat finally coming to fruition.

Flagship, Zaha Hadid

Until recently, it was assumed that the Unique Circle Yachts were Hadid’s only nautical designs throughout her career. However, in early January of this year, it was announced that the architect had also worked with Vitruvius Yachts to design a new ship for the British Royal Family. Though the project, which was originally put into motion by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, has now been called off, it’s exciting to see what could have been. “All design contributors were keen to capture the essence of UK heritage and embrace a forward-thinking and innovative approach to the design of the flagship with sustainability at the core,” Vitruvius’s website states .

B60 Sloop, John Pawson

Known for his minimalist take on design, John Pawson’s stark white sailboat, called B60 Sloop , sits firmly within his design vernacular. The vessel is a result of a collaboration with Milan-based yacht designer Luca Brenta, and it features a 60-foot carbon fibre hull and two striking white sails. “The project’s functional goal is to create the ultimate day-racing yacht, built for recreational rather than competitive purposes, but with the highest levels of manoeuvrability,” Pawson shared in Dezeen in 2008.

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Oneiric Catamaran, Zaha Hadid Architects

Representing the latest offering from Hadid’s design firm, architects at Zaha Hadid Architects recently unveiled concept renderings for Oneiric, a proposed catamaran in collaboration with Italian shipyard Rossinavi. Powered by green technology, the boat features three levels of solar panels and an AI-driven control centre that manages energy consumption. “The serenity on board is visual as well as auditory,” the firm said in a press release. “Oneiric’s full-electric mode is capable of silent operations.”

The Balance of

Design & technology, a new way of yachting.

In the design and development of AQUA, our team derived inspiration from owners’ lifestyles, the fluid versatility of water and cutting-edge technology, combining all of this in a 112m superyacht with truly innovative features.

On board, the interrelated requirement for privacy and space has been addressed with an extraordinarily large owner’s pavilion. To accentuate the link with the water, much thought has been devoted to making the ocean as accessible and visible as possible.

At the lower decks, the usual parameters for propulsion, range and speed have been translated into a complete hydrogen-electric system, whose physical dimensions and operational characteristics reinforce a comprehensively innovative superyacht experience.

Sander J. Sinot

Aqua-inspired evolution.

At Sinot, our highly talented designers offer more than just a design style. We always integrate all aspects of design into a newbuild: this means acknowledging key questions such as ‘why build a yacht in the first place?’ and ‘how can we ensure that you will enjoy your investment and enrich your sense of freedom?’

Aqua is focused on an environmentally sensitive subject: yacht propulsion and the choice of fuel. Propulsion systems have become highly optimized over the past few years: diesel-electric combinations in many configurations and setups have grown in popularity, with the goal of increasing efficiency and ultimately reducing emissions. To take this discussion into an entirely new realm we have initiated AQUA, our new yacht concept, using a hydrogen-electric system capable of catering for all onboard energy needs.

Exterior design

Surge of energy.

The flowing exterior lines of AQUA are inspired by ocean swells – the surge of energy induced by winds and currents, boosted by the gravitational forces that control the ocean’s tides.

Those fluid, free-flowing lines accentuate the freedom of life on the water and blend into their environment in complete harmony with nature. AQUA is configured with a with a five-deck set up, utilizing forward interior space through the high sheer line which subtly descends from bow to aft.

The yacht has been designed to provide those on board with the closest possible proximity to the water. The aft deck features a unique and innovative series of platforms cascading down towards the sea, while a large swim platform allows all AQUA passengers to enjoy the optimal experience of accessing the water at sea level.

Circular indulgence

The indoor health & wellness center is a water-world of serenity, where the reflecting waves of the water feature complement the onboard environment with their soft, vibrating motion. Entering this world feels like a subtle spiritual transition; from the relaxed openness of the main lounge to the healing atmosphere of this AQUA-typical spa.

The experience is heightened by passing through the sensational circular tunnel which contains the steps leading from the main lounge on the beach deck to this ‘mare tranquillum’ in the lower deck. The fullness of the experience is further underlined by the moon-shaped portals surrounding the central lobby, which leads to the gymnasium and massage room.

Massage & Gym

Hydro workout.

AQUA contains an exclusive hydro massage room, where passengers can revel in massages administered by soothing, pressurized water jets. Hydro massage therapy is extremely relaxing and is purported to help alleviate sports injuries as well as muscle and soft tissue ailments. Invented by the Romans, hydro massage remains one of the most popular, wellbeing-enhancing massage techniques.

The gymnasium provides a sensational experience with its massive, gym-wide hatch which opens to reveal the ocean’s surface at water level, creating the perception of exercising and relaxing on an island in the sea. A yoga space and workout floor, complete with cycling apparatus and weightlifting dumbbells for a total body workout, are arranged side by side. This allows all gym users to enjoy the magnificent views and close proximity to the water, while being protected by the strengthened panoramic glass window.

Beauty Salon

Focus on what matters.

The experience is heightened by passing through the sensational circular tunnel which contains the steps leading from the main lounge on the beach deck to this ‘mare tranquillum’ in the lower deck. The fullness of the experience is further underlined by the moon-shaped portals surrounding the central lobby, which lead to the gymnasium and massage room.

Central Staircase

Connecting skies and water.

Situated at AQUA’s core, the spectacular circular staircase is one of the yacht’s defining features, winding down from the top deck to the lower deck. The elegant staircase floats naturally in place around a cylindrical void.

A spectacular art piece is located at the bottom, suggesting the endless ocean depths as a reflection of the eternal skies suspended over the top skylight. The intriguing, finely crafted detailing of the wood balustrade seems to defy gravity and catches elegant reflections produced by the wave structure of the artwork at the bottom floor. Backlit crafted glass inserts in the steps accentuate the motif of flowing water, trickling down from the bridge deck.

A true spectacle manifests itself at the lowest level, facing aft, where two massive liquified hydrogen tanks reveal their hexagonal textured surface structure behind a giant façade of strengthened glass.

Owner’s Pavilion

Openness and freedom.

The spectacular, extremely spacious and beam-wide owner’s pavilion, occupying the front half of the upper deck, offers an abundance of privacy. The pavilion is arranged in a vast open-plan area of interlinked spaces, divided by finely crafted wooden screens providing intimacy and subdued lighting. Both at the starboard and port sides, floor-to-ceiling band windows supply an incredible impression of openness and freedom.

The ceiling, at a height that varies from an ample 280cm to an impressive 380cm at the large central skylight, is supported by an intricately crafted wooden structure. Below this, and depending on each owner’s preferences and hobbies, the vast owner’s pavilion can be filled with art, musical instruments or other objects of desire, in an informal setting of ultimate comfort, light and luxury.

Owners Bathroom

Symmetrical harmony.

AQUA’s large master bathroom is accessed directly from the bedroom section in the owner’s pavilion. The striking symmetry, balancing his-and-hers vanity and shower units, creates a composition of refined and considered proportions. Every detail of the bathroom reflects a sense of scale and skilled workmanship. Shapes and materials interact and combine to create an elementary yet luxurious atmosphere.

The use of premium surface finishes, such as the pitch-black, highly reflective precious marble floor, accentuates the timelessness of the interior. The sense of harmony is reinforced by amazing views over the ocean; scenery that can be enjoyed from the showers and the free-standing bathtub alike.

Embracing Tranquility

Located on AQUA’s beach deck, close to the waterline, the spacious and naturally outfitted VIP state rooms stand out by virtue of their spacious design and highly elaborate furniture. The rooms are specifically designed to offer guests the best possible environment in which to enjoy their time on board, cleverly combining optimal use of space with perfect ocean views through the giant band windows.

The VIP cabin and other state rooms are focused on openness, luxury and comfort, providing a maximum sense of freedom in a highly detailed minimalist Japanese beach-style setting. Textured silk carpets, fully customized furniture pieces in sustainable woods and the use of multiple textures in wall and ceiling paneling all create an atmosphere of ultimate hospitality and natural tranquility.

Beach Deck Lounge

Fluid hospitality.

AQUA’s beach deck lounge is a sensational constellation of interlocking spaces, and as such represents the nexus of onboard hospitality. Its inner section supplies a secluded fine dining setting, for 14 guests, providing an elevated platform for additional privacy with its surrounding, hand-crafted wooden screens.

Towards the aft deck, a comfortable, custom-designed circular settee is ideal for hosting informal chats while enjoying the seascape view through the floor-to-ceiling glass façades.

The circular setting can also be rotated to transform it into a home cinema. To the aft deck, where the infinity pool cascading to sea level begins, sets of highly comfortable lounge chairs are grouped together, accommodating the best views of the ocean and providing an unlimited indoors-outdoors experience.

Outdoor Lounge

World of relaxation.

The majority of time on board AQUA is spent outside, both during the day and the evening in good weather. As a consequence, providing comfort and privacy is vital for maximizing quality time outside, whether this involves dining, partying, relaxing or enjoying poolside drinks at sunset – or just letting one’s mind roam freely over endless seascapes.

The relaxing lounge setting makes this deck incomparably conducive to spending memorable times with family and friends. The inside and outside of this vast space can be connected by opening the curved, sliding, floor-to-ceiling glass doors, enabling intimate alfresco dining or extensive sunbathing in absolute privacy. The deck furniture has been completely custom-made by the finest craftsmen, and is upholstered in soft fabrics with colorful throw pillows and piping details.

Upperdeck loung

Unwind and recharge.

AQUA’s upper deck lounge, adjacent to the owner’s pavilion, is where hospitality, socializing and interaction with the marine environment intertwine. With its full glass façades and open exterior decks, the ever-changing views will never cease to astonish. The relaxed lounge setting and extensive al fresco dining facilities create a deck which is tailor-made for spending treasured times with family and friends.

For more private dining, a secluded setting can be created, connecting to the lounge with the use of the sliding shoji grid screens. All furniture pieces are custom-designed and combine ultimate comfort with fine detailing and rich fabrics. Natural materials and a balanced application of grids and wood structures define the spaces in well-proportioned sections. Everything contributes towards a harmonious ambience in which the owner, family and friends can truly experience the ocean in all its magnificence and unwind from the tensions of daily life.

Upper Deck Aft

Invite the light.

At AQUA, the natural connection between the inside and outside space is a particularly appealing aspect of the superyacht’s design concept. In addition to al fresco dining and lounging, an outdoor cinema can be created in which the best audiovisual media can be savored in an awe-inspiring setting above the seas.

Gel fueled fire bowls contribute towards an intimate feel while allowing passengers to still experience the great outdoors in all its beauty. One could easily forget where the interior ends and the outside begins, as both cease to feel like separate spaces: freedom, relaxation and comfort are constant factors throughout, heightening the overall experience.

Wheel House

Technology at your fingertips.

AQUA’s wheelhouse, located under the bubble hood-shaped roof on the bridge deck, is designed as a cockpit with a 360° view all around, creating both a great working environment and a spectacular space in which the owner and guests can enjoy the operation of the yacht. The wheelhouse is equipped with state-of-the art systems and head-up display technology. Designed to meet all nautical requirements and fulfil additional demands in decades to come, the wheelhouse can work at the captain’s ease or perform under pressure as and when required.

Views worth a thousand words

The AQUA room provides the last word in relaxation, in which the owner can enjoy music, enjoy the scenery and enjoy life. This observatory is located at the bow, at the far end of the owner’s pavilion, and offers a top-of-the-world feeling and endless views from the best position on board. The space is unique by design and function, and the spectacular floor-to-ceiling windows eliminate all borders between the viewers and the seascape, offering an incredible outlook for those on the floating daybed.

The Six Concept Designs that are Rocking the Superyacht World Right Now

Written By: Rachel Ingram

From Star Trek-inspired hulls to onboard hydroponic farms, these six out-of-the-box superyachts are pushing the boundaries of creativity when it comes to design and innovation.

Concepting is an essential part of the yacht building process as designers work out how to bring their client’s dream to life – or simply put their own wild ideas to paper. Very few finished concepts come to fruition, but they still serve a vital purpose – to inspire owners to think outside the box and encourage designers and shipyards to test the limits of possibility.

While some projects are more realistic than others, each presents ideas that can lead to change and growth, which is essential as the industry continues to evolve. With so many creative concepts floating around, we highlight the most innovative designs making waves and how they could inspire the future of yachting.

Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design has released a series of impressive designs in recent years, but none are more transfixing than Poetry, a 130-metre concept yacht that the studio calls its “tribute to yachting”. The design, founded on the philosophy of living close to the water, creates a seamless harmony between the guests and the aquatic environment – on the aft, for instance, a sprawling aft beach club extends to touch the waves.

The project epitomises indoor-outdoor living. The superstructure has been fully opened to create unobstructed decks with panoramic vistas. This is best seen in the owner’s suite which spills onto a private deck. Throughout the interior, a connection to nature is maintained through water features and living vegetation, plus the installation of giant windows that flood each space with natural light – and views.

Named after the Greek God of the wind, Aeolus is as bold and impactful as her namesake. Designed to look as though she’s been “sculpted by the wind”, the 131-metre Oceanco concept yacht stands out with her sleek lines and dynamic curves that extend through the exterior and interior.

But more than being impressive to look at, Aeolus is technologically forward thinking. She’s equipped with innovative NXT technology, which was developed by the shipyard as part of its ambitions to develop a net-zero yachting industry. She’s also decorated mostly in bio-materials to further promote sustainability. And when it comes to layout, designers have taken a modern approach which re-thinks how guests live and work onboard. Aeolus is inspiring on all levels.

Feadship describes its 85-metre superyacht concept Slice as a project to usher in a “new era of interiors”. Designers at Studio De Voogt took her name literally, engineering a glass strip that runs through the yacht from bow to stern, flooding all decks with natural light. The revolutionary solution tackles the long-standing issue of lighting in the centre of superyachts, which are often dark and lit artificially. Slice “turns the inside out and the outside in,” says lead designer Chris Bottoms.

The concept was designed with modern families in mind and reimagines the way guests live on a yacht, with multi-level living spaces to keep guests connected, indoor-outdoor layouts and dual-function areas which can be adapted to suit all manner of activities. Highlight features include the 70 square metre atrium with cascading balconies at the heart of the yacht and the 10-metre-long data science-engineered pool, which features anti-slosh technology for swimming on the move.

Project Enterprise

As a company that specialises in conceptual design, M51 Concepts has not shied away from pushing boundaries with its disruptive yachts. The studio’s latest work, Project Enterprise , is a trimaran with a wide beam design to maximise storage for toys and tenders – set off directly from a direct-to-water platform within the yacht’s lower deck – and curved decks offering panoramic views from the interior.

The pools on this yacht are particularly interesting. While most designers place a pool on sun or aft deck, this 84-metre yachts places it inside a partially enclosed courtyard topped with an open sky light – sun enters during the day and the stars shine overhead at night. A secondary pool can be found on the yacht’s pointed bow which dramatically pierces the water.

Inspiration for the project was subconscious, reveals designer Anthony Glasson: “The exterior styling inspiration was only realized once finished as I had been watching the first season of Star Trek and unconsciously designed a yacht that resembles the original Star Trek Enterprise.”

Pegasus is a project of firsts. Designed by Jozeph Forakis, the design conceptualises the world’s first 3D-printed superyacht. But that isn’t its only USP. The 88-metre vessel features a distinctive mirrored exterior (another first) to make the yacht blend in with its surroundings. The designer was inspired to create a yacht that could be “virtually invisible”, both in design and in environmental impact. “I was inspired to create a yacht as close to the sea and nature as possible, made of clouds floating above the waterline. I wanted to honour nature by blending into it, becoming virtually invisible,” he says.

Inside, it gets even more interesting. The interior centres around a multi-level hydroponic garden that the designer calls a ‘tree of life’. Plants grown in the farm – including vegetables, herbs and flowers – provides fresh food for the galley. The plants also purify the air. “Pegasus is a bold but achievable vision for the near future of the superyacht industry, where man and machine live in harmony with nature rather than competing or compromising it, ” Forakis adds .

Lazzarini Design Studio is behind some of the industry’s quirkiest designs, from Avanguardia, a swan-shaped megayacht with detachable ‘head’, to The Shape, which bears a gaping hole in the middle of its superstructure. The firm’s newest concept Plectrum takes the concept of a hydrofoil to a new level. The 74-metre yacht features giant wings that enable her to ‘fly’ across the water at staggering speeds of up to 75 knots, thanks to her three hydrogen motors. The sleek yacht also stands out with her bold orange exterior and fun features including a generous beach club, aft pool, and retractable helipad hidden the bow.

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The most impressive superyacht beach clubs in the business, the next big luxury travel and yachting trends, five of the best superyacht experiences for kids .

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The Rise of Art-Centric Superyacht Architecture

By Sophia Spanton

The world of superyacht design is experiencing a significant transformation, with vessels being increasingly perceived as floating galleries, custom-built to showcase exquisite art collections. This trend of designing yachts with specific art pieces in mind is revolutionising the industry, blending nautical engineering with fine art curation.

Art consultants have become an integral part of the yacht design process, involved from a vessel's inception, all the way through to its completion. Firms like Artelier offer complete turnkey services for yacht art collections, working closely with the entire yacht team, including; shipyards, interior contractors, designers and client representatives. 

These specialists assess yacht spaces and advise on optimum locations for artwork placement. They conduct thorough research into potential themes and artworks that take both the interior design and value of the yacht into consideration whilst reflecting the owner's personal tastes and art investment goals. 

To accommodate art pieces safely, yacht builders are implementing advanced technologies and design features. For instance, motor yacht EXCELLENCE demonstrates how large sculptures can be securely displayed onboard using museum-grade adhesives. 

Art experts in the yachting industry note that with proper precautions, superyachts can be as safe for art as galleries. The internal environment of a yacht, when properly controlled, can provide suitable conditions for most artworks. The main challenges are similar to those on land, these being direct sunlight and potential damage from accidental contact. Climate control systems maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels for delicate artworks and UV-filtered glass and advanced lighting systems protect paintings and sculptures from damaging sunlight while showcasing them safely. 

The 62m M/Y SEA & US, an Amels 206 model, exemplifies how yacht design is evolving to accommodate bespoke art collections. Artelier, an art consultancy firm with a database of over 15,000 artists, was tasked with curating the yacht's art collection, working closely with the yacht team from the early stages of the project.

In the Owner's Suite, a unique feature was incorporated: a painting that doubles as a television cover. Artelier collaborated with a British painter to create an Impressionist-style piece inspired by the owner's favourite Russian seascape. This painting was specially adapted to function as a rolling cover for the TV, providing an elegant solution for concealing the screen when not in use. To ensure the artwork's longevity, Artelier developed specialist canvases and mediums suitable for repeated rolling.

The yacht also features custom-made sculptures; a pair of bronze sculptures inspired by orca fins were created by an artist based in Cornwall. Artelier worked with a specialist bronze foundry to develop vibrant ocean-coloured patinas for these pieces. To ensure safety and compliance with yacht regulations, Artelier designed specialist sea-fastening fixings for each sculpture, working closely with the boatyard to meet all safety requirements.

Throughout the process, Artelier addressed technical challenges specific to yacht environments, including considerations of sea air humidity, engine vibrations, weight restrictions, and fire and toxicity regulations. Their services extended to overseeing the shipping and installation of all art pieces, ensuring proper handling of delicate works.

Integrating art into yacht design involves navigating unique technical challenges, including addressing issues such as sea air humidity, sea-fastening, yacht engine vibrations, weight restrictions, and fire and toxicity regulations.

As this trend evolves we can expect to see continued innovation in how art is integrated into yacht design. The continued collaboration between art consultants, yacht designers and artists is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in maritime art installations. 

This trend of designing yachts around specific art pieces represents a fascinating collaboration of luxury, engineering and artistic expression. This evolving trend challenges the preconception about maritime design and art curation, creating increasingly immersive experiences that blend art with architecture, engineering and the sea itself.

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Zaha Hadid Designs Superyacht

• Written by Karissa Rosenfield

Zaha Hadid has collaborated with the Hamburg-based shipbuilders Blohm+Voss to design a new concept for a family of superyachts: a 128-meter master prototype that will eventually spawn five, fully-engineered, 90-meter “Unique Circle Yachts.” According to Hadid, the overall design is informed by “fluid dynamics and underwater ecosystems, with hydrodynamic research shaping the design of the hull.”

More from the architect, after the break. 

“The exoskeleton structure of the upper section is an interwoven network of supports that vary in thickness and lend a natural aesthetic to the yacht’s external appearance; evoking the organic structural systems of natural marine formations and connecting the various levels and decks of the ship seamlessly via expressive diagonals.” Departing from traditional yacht design, the prototype’s exoskeleton “creates an intense connectivity between the various decks and elements of the design.”

The 90m JAZZ yacht is the first of the five Unique Circle Yachts that has been technically specified and detailed by the naval architects at Blohm+Voss . Its lineage from the 128m master prototype is evident, with further technical refinements to address the specifications required for ocean crossings.

“As a dynamic object that moves in dynamic environments, the design of a yacht must incorporate additional parameters beyond those for architecture – which all become much more extreme on water. Each yacht is an engineered platform that integrates specific hydrodynamic and structural demands together with the highest levels of comfort, spatial quality and safety,” explained Hadid.

Dr. Herbert Aly, CEO and Managing Partner of Blohm+Voss adds: “The idea of the Unique Circle Yachts allows for variation of a genotype and its phenotypes, offering a range of possible solutions based on an cognate platform. As a result Zaha Hadid ’s design is malleable to suit the very individual wishes and needs of a potential customer which lies at the heart of Blohm+Voss’ approach to yacht design. The strength of the design lies not just in its functionality and form, but also its effortless adaptability.”

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This New 131-Foot Superyacht Concept Brings High Architecture to the High Seas

Miminat debut yacht design is by no means short on style., rachel cormack.

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Having worked on a myriad of residential and hospitality projects over the past few years, Miminat is adept at creating elegant interiors with contemporary decor, sculptural furniture, and statement lighting. K features all of the above and a sleek, stylish exterior. In contrast to the Japanese design influence, the vessel will reportedly display the finest Italian craftsmanship. As the studio puts it, K is “not only a vessel for art, but a masterpiece in and of itself.”

With an interior volume of approximately 300 GT, K offers a spacious interior with five cabins. The owner’s suite is positioned on the main deck, while a VIP and three doubles sit on the lower deck. The crew quarters are also located on the lower deck. Back on the main deck lies a salon with a Japanese-inspired lounge, a bar, and a dining area with a 10-seater table. A spiral staircase leads to a spacious upper deck with a helm and alfresco dining area.

K also offers luxurious hangouts forward and aft. The two-level aft deck centers around a singular infinity pool that waterfalls from one level to the next, while the bow is equipped with a plush lounge and firepit.

Miminat says “various engine options” will give K a maximum speed of 25 knots and a cruising speed of 16 knots. It is hard to imagine the yacht will be overly practical in tumultuous waters—especially given her scant hardtop, hull cutouts, and exposed aft deck—but, hey, at least she’ll look pretty.

Click here to see all the photos of K.

Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…

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Synergy Yacht ‘Atlas’

A collaboration between Laurent Giles Superyacht Architects and H2 Yacht Design sees the development of Project Atlas, a modern superyacht that embodies the meaning of hybrid design.

Celebrating 90+ Years of Yacht Design

Laurent Giles is one of the longest established and respected independent Yacht Design and Naval Architecture firms in the business.

Laurent Giles unveils a new approach to conceptual design with the 110m High Efficiency Motor Yacht...

Celebrating 90 Years of Yacht Design

With over 1400 designs under our belts we offer a unique breadth of experience in all types of yacht design and naval architecture.

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Established in 1927 Laurent Giles is one of the oldest names in yacht design, with over 1400 designs under our belts we offer a unique breadth of experience in all types of yacht design and naval architecture.

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Lateral Naval Architects provides complete engineering expertise to the superyacht industry, from project conception to delivery. Our core competence is engineering but our unique focus is on meaningful innovation to enable superyachts that meet the demands of today’s owners. Read more

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With our extensive experience in the field of naval architecture Lateral is a leader in the field. A portfolio of in-service designs covering all hull form types, speed regimes, propulsion systems and construction materials demonstrates our expertise. Read more

Lateral specialises in the design of structures in steel, aluminium and composite. Through our teams 60 years’ experience in developing structural designs for yachts and specialised vessels we utilise an extensive knowledge base to deliver practical and pragmatic designs that are fit for purpose, efficient to build and with excellent attention to detail.  Read more

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Concept Design —the embryonic stages of a yacht project — is that crucial phase when designers, naval architects, builders, and engineers come together to lay the foundation for the owner’s vision.  Read more

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Will AI transform superyacht design?

 As artificial intelligence progresses at breakneck speed, in what ways is it being used to disrupt the field of yacht design, and do we need to proceed with caution?   Risa Merl looks at how AI is already making its presence felt. 

As I gaze at the computer screen, a yacht emerges before me. It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen on the water – a fairly typical hull, painted turquoise, married to a superstructure resembling a towering Egyptian pyramid adorned in gilded patterns and curved glass. It appears within seconds of typing in a few keywords as if conjured from a coded mist. And, indeed, it was.

I am being guided through the world of artificial intelligence (AI) by Rob Armstrong, creative director of ThirtyC Yacht Design, who is showing me a few of the AI applications that his studio is currently using. Armstrong is one of the many yacht designers and naval architects who have been exploring AI as a tool to aid in the superyacht design process. Other designers have been less keen on embracing AI, warning it could ring the death knell for creativity.

The yachting industry’s varied opinions on AI are emblematic of the debate in wider society. There are those who are keen to dive in and see how it might be useful – and profitable – to humans. And there are those who fear its very existence, that its future iterations will spell an end to humankind as we know it.

Designers like Armstrong are experimenting with generative AI, which refers to algorithms that can create content such as images or text from amalgamations of information already available online. The much-discussed ChatGPT is one example. Artificial general intelligence (AGI), on the other hand, is the stuff of sci-fi: an advanced AI that, in the future, will be able to learn and think like a human and carry out a range of tasks, without human intervention. Some suggest generative AI is a stepping stone to AGI.

It is especially eerie when warnings on the dangers of advanced AI come from tech giants such as Elon Musk, who has said it has the potential for “civilisation destruction” and has called for governmental regulation (notably, China has announced its first regulations on generative AI). Musk, along with other tech leaders, including Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and cognitive scientist Gary Marcus, signed an open letter in April 2023 calling for a pause in the “out of control” race for AI development, a warning that has yet to be heeded.

But AI is already in the mainstream and must be reckoned with, even by the yachting world. “People are afraid of AI because they see this robot who does his own thing,” says Marnix Hoekstra, co-creative director of Vripack . “But it’s a tool – like virtual reality or 3D printing – and it doesn’t do anything by itself.” The Dutch design house is currently exploring generative AI, such as ChatGPT, Midjourney and Firefly, a new version of Adobe Photoshop that has an AI plugin.

Winch Design is also experimenting with generative AI in its workflow and has had some interesting outcomes using software such as Midjourney, Stable Diffusion and Dall-E to generate reference images to kick-start ideas or conversations. “You can argue that inputting a written text prompt into Midjourney to generate an image isn’t that far removed from tasking a design team in the studio to create an image from a verbal briefing,” says Greig Jolly, partner, yachts and aviation, with Winch Design.

Back to that pyramid yacht. Armstrong is using Midjourney to create images by inputting text descriptions, such as “seashell-inspired-superyacht” and “Japanese-style-superyacht-interior”, and within moments images approximating these appear before us. Some are interesting, some are comical, but Armstrong says that, even with the latter, inspiration can be gleaned. “Designers see these images from a different perspective,” he says, referring to the pyramid yacht. “I’m looking at the colours – I love the turquoise and gold together – and how the superstructure has a soft blend on the top edge. I’m never going to use the whole thing, but I can use it for inspiration. AI is just a tool – software changes and you need to keep up with it.”

The seashell-inspired yacht prompt seems to blend a cowrie shell with a design from the late Zaha Hadid’s playbook. The “yacht” depicted here is not seaworthy, but Armstrong instantly points to the coral pattern on the aft deck ceiling as design fodder. He could use aspects of these images for ThirtyC client mood boards, which Armstrong says isn’t much different from clipping magazine pages or pinning on Pinterest.

In another application, Vizcom.ai, Armstrong inputs a line sketch he’s hand-drawn and it’s transformed into a fully formed yacht profile. He also mentions an open-source software called Blender that can take an AI-created image and translate it into 3D, which can be sculpted or drawn over. “But it’s a data-point 3D model, quite rough, not one with clean, symmetrical lines that you can actually bring to a shipyard,” he says.

Dasha Moranova Designs has employed AI in its Senses spa concept to play with general arrangements. “Senses’ sensory holistic design has been developed on Lateral Naval Architects ' Innovative Free From Bulkheads (FFB) platform, which challenges traditional superyacht architecture,” says Moranova. The FFB platform enables watertight bulkheads to terminate at the lower deck, freeing up space and giving Moranova the opportunity to create an unusual open spa with almost 360-degree ocean views.

The interior is then built in a 3D model using Unreal Engine 5, MetaHumans and an AI conversational system. “This would be presented to owners wearing virtual reality [VR] goggles,” says Moranova. “The AI is so smart and sensitive that when you look at an element and focus on it for a few seconds, the AI will give any answer you might be thinking about.”

Vripack has regularly used virtual and augmented reality since 2014, and Hoekstra is excited by how AI will enhance these tools. “It will unlock a whole new level of customer experience – we can rapidly customise avatars and environments in VR, which will become massively lifelike and personalised and therefore more compelling,” he says.

In terms of visuals, both Armstrong and Jolly note that AI has been useful in quickly creating background images. “We can dream up an imaginary landscape or location and render it in AI almost instantly, then drop in the CGI model of our design,” says Jolly. “On a more granular level, the integration of AI functionality into Photoshop has relieved us of some minor, time-consuming image editing tasks.”

It’s easy to see how AI can be used in graphic design and animation. But a few of the top animators I spoke to didn’t want to comment, saying only that it’s too sensitive a topic for artists at the moment, raising concerns over copyright protection and job retention.

No copyright boundaries exist for the apparent plagiarism of original content on which generative AI subsists. These murky waters are full of ethical and moral questions, none of which will be solved swiftly. Sustainability is a concern as well, as generative AI, much like mining for cryptocurrency, relies on substantial computing power. “All the user sees is that an image pops up within seconds, but somewhere a huge computing farm probably swallowed up enough energy to power a small country,” says Christian Leyk, creative director at coquine![design].

Generative AI is, of course, derivative by nature, a fact that leads some designers, such as Leyk, to question its use in yacht design. “AI is not innovative, it’s not even design,” says Leyk. “It cannot create new concepts or ideas.”

Even Moranova, who has embraced AI in many ways, is wary of its use in creating images sourced from internet databases. “I don’t think reusing someone else’s property is the way forward for designers,” she says. “This is why true artists and designers have nothing to worry about. Emotional responses are a human trait and to provoke such a response you need to be human not only to interpret it but to evoke it.”

It’s the designers’ job, based on their real-world experience, to discern the viability of what AI spits out. “AI can create wonderful photorealistic images or professionally written text, but the user needs to have the knowledge to judge whether the information is correct and useful,” says Jim Robert Sluijter, lead exterior designer at Lürssen Yachts . “It’s similar with 3D modelling and photorealistic renderings, which can be a powerful tool to show a client what the yacht will look like. However, renderings can also show a very convincing and realistic image of something that will never work.”

The ideal scenario is that AI will shorten time spent on technical calculations so designers can spend more time on creativity. And this is the goal of Olesinski Ltd . The UK-based design and naval architecture firm is using AI in the most advanced way I encountered, having spent years and a huge investment to develop bespoke AI tools to optimise general arrangements and hull forms, by working with research teams at the University of Southampton. The studio has designs in build that have used AI which will be launched as early as 2024.

Bill Edwards, head of research and development at Olensinski , says the AI tool they’ve created is ideal for avoiding unnecessary trips around the design spiral. There are so many possibilities for creating a yacht layout or optimising a hull that designers can get quite far into the process before hitting a dead end and having to start over.

“The algorithm itself [of the Olesinski AI tool] is generic, there’s no explicit references to boat design, but it’s powerful at solving sorts of problems that require this type of computation,” says Edwards. “It can solve for several different objectives at the same time, whether furniture is placed correctly, cabins can be properly accessed, ceiling heights need adjusting… The software explores all the possible solutions, identifying dead ends, but does it rapidly, so flawed candidate designs need not be seen by human eyes. It gives us options.”

Previously, the Olesinski team would do a 2D CAD drawing, then fit it into a 3D model. “What we get out of AI now isn’t just 2D, it’s what we would’ve done with the 3D, which we can then manipulate, for example, if we want to move a bulkhead,” says managing director Justin Olesinski, who is quick to point out that what they produce with AI is only used during conceptual stages. “It’s not given to the yards to produce these lines. But at the level we need it to be, it’s as accurate as you’d ever want it to be.”

By feeding AI the results from simulations performed by potential hull forms, they can quickly create surrogate models and cast a wider net of ideas. “We can put in extreme features to investigate and are often surprised where we find performance improvements,” says Edwards. The AI might suggest a certain wave-piercing bow shape or suggest a chine width that the team didn’t necessarily expect.

“We will increasingly see AI doing several of the heavy lifting tasks in engineering design,” says Adam Sobey, associate professor in the maritime engineering group at the University of Southampton. “Creating a yacht layout takes a lot of time just to get to an initial concept. By using AI to develop initial concepts, humans can spend their time on the fine-tuning.” AI can help designers come up with half a dozen concepts early in the design process, allowing them to synthesise the best elements. AI can also be helpful in creating solutions to new regulations imposed by Maritime and Coastal Agency and other certification bodies.

AI is already transforming the study of design, but design fundamentals remain. “The AI approaches we have so far can’t pull together all the complexity of a real yacht,” says Professor Sobey. “It’s important that a student knows how to design a yacht first – the tools they use are less important. If they aren’t experts in traditional methods, how can they evaluate the designs that are being produced by the AI?”

Sluijter says that AI is no match for the years of experience that shipyards such as Lürssen possess. “The technical know-how on how to build, install and service the millions of components that go into a yacht, how they work together, and all the knowledge accumulated by building thousands of yachts by all the shipyards around the world over the past 150 years has never been shared on the internet,” he says. “No one will be able to build a yacht in the same way as a shipyard can by just using AI or the internet.”

Today, machine-learning modules are being included in maritime design studies, something that would traditionally be the realm for computer scientists. One of Professor Sobey’s students has gone on to work for Olesinski Ltd as a R&D engineer, bringing his knowledge of AI to a newly created role at the design house, showing that AI could lead to job creation.

“AI is a long way from stealing people’s jobs – we still require human designers for the detailed elements and to evaluate things such as aesthetics,” says Professor Sobey. “What we are doing is augmenting designers [and allowing them] to explore more of the design space than they were previously able to. This is both more and less exciting than is in the news. It certainly isn’t AI taking over the workplace, but it is providing new tools that allow us to interpret what we have been doing for many decades in totally new ways.”

But Leyk is less optimistic. “It’s very likely some designers will lose their jobs,” he believes. And Hoekstra notes that the World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report 2023 predicted that nearly 25 per cent of jobs will be disrupted.

“Imagine that around a quarter of all the people you know will have their job disrupted over the next five years – that’s massive,” says Hoekstra. “So, obviously, there are ethical considerations for us.”

Hoekstra thinks that AI will inevitably disrupt yacht design as we know it. “And I honestly mean ‘disrupt’ because I have a strong belief that there will be two kinds of design studios at the end of this decade: those that are fully utilising AI and those that are out of business,” he says. “We either have to adopt it or die.”

Olesinski believes that the only downside to AI is the amount of time and capital a company needs to invest. “We’ve invested a lot over 10 to 13 years in hull forms and four to five years on the general arrangement side of things,” he says. “If a design house wants to do that, they need to have an R&D department specifically for AI.” Olesinski Ltd will be offering its AI tool as a paid service to other designers who haven’t made such an investment. A potential problem arises in clients thinking they should be charged less if the design process is seemingly quicker. But this overlooks the expertise and R&D that has gone into the back end; time that will be freed up to spend on creativity and perfecting a design.

Jolly posits that even owners themselves might have a play at AI. “The day will come when a client presents us with an image of their dream that they’ve made in AI and asks us to create it for them,” he says. “But AI won’t replicate the unique individual character and artistry that a craftsman brings to their work. I think that human touch and sense of tradition is something that is very much valued in our industry.”

Perhaps the answer to the AI question in yacht design is not a matter of all or nothing, or kill or be killed, but a strange hybrid, putting us one step closer to the singularity between man and machine that futurist Ray Kurzweil predicted nearly 20 years ago. Yet for now, yachting remains very much a human pleasure and a product of human creativity.

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15 most BEAUTIFUL buildings in St. Petersburg (PHOTOS)

1. The Winter Palace

It’s difficult to imagine any such list without the Winter Palace - the once-main residence of the Russian monarchs. The baroque palace was finished at the time of Catherine II, and later expanded to include numerous imperial art collections. Just as it did back in the 18-19th centuries, it still dazzles with its size and splendor. Today, the complex forms the main block of the Hermitage museum - the biggest in the country.  

Dvortsovaya Ploshchad, 2

2. Singer House

The building, also widely known as the ‘House of Books’, sits on the corner of Nevsky Prospekt and the Griboyedov Canal. It appeared in the early 1900s, commissioned by the Singer Sewing Machine Company’s branch in Russia. Its impressive modern-style facade is one of the most striking visual details on the city’s main street. Today, the first two floors are taken up by the House of Books store, while it also serves as the headquarters of the social media platform VKontakte. 

Nevskiy Prospekt, 28

3. ‘Bratya Eliseyevy’ trade partnership building

In 1903, the building was considered one of the most luxurious architectural projects of its time. It was thought that its modernist architecture, complete with a gigantic stained glass arch and facade sculptures, would demonstrate the wealth of the Yeliseyev Brothers partnership, and attract buyers to the famous traders’ goods. Today, just as it was back then, visitors can still find a luxurious grocery store. 

Nevskiy Prospekt, 56

4. The Kazan Cathedral

The inspiration for the design of the building came from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The plan was to make the Kazan Cathedral the main church in Russia. Construction started in 1801, but was interrupted by the war in 1812. It used to be associated with the victory over the French, and houses the most valuable trophies from the war. 

It is also the burial place of the iconic field marshal, Mikhail Kutuzov. 

Kazanskaya Ploshchad, 2

5. The Peterhof Palace

A lavish baroque palace within the Romanov’s summer residence complex outside St. Petersburg. It was designed by the same Russian architect of Italian descent who was behind the Winter Palace - Bartolomeo Rastrelli. During WWII, the entire complex was occupied by Nazi forces, and later, destroyed in a bombardment. Restoration is still ongoing.

Ulitsa Razvodnaya, 2

6. Church of the Savior on Blood 

This colorful Russian-style church is often confused with St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, even though the construction of the Church of the Savior on Blood only started three centuries later, in 1883, right on the spot where Aleksandr II was mortally wounded. Construction lasted 24 years, which can be explained by its elaborate decor, consisting of a 7,065 square meter mosaic inside the cathedral. 

Naberezhnaya Kanala Griboyedova, 2

7. Joff’s apartment building

The famous “five-pointed tower house” appeared in 1913, first owned by the Lapin family of traders, and then inherited by wealthy commission agent Schneer Joffe, who used it to sell antique furniture. Aside from that, the five-pointed tower house was always on the lips of Russian intelligentsia of the day: it’s where author Korney Chukovskiy’s daughter Lidia lived. She was often visited there by poet Anna Akhmatova. 

Ulitsa Rubinshteyna, 40

8. Saint Isaac’s Cathedral

The construction of the cathedral was personally overseen by Nicholas I, in another apparent attempt to create “the main Orthodox holy relic of the empire”. The building was only finished in 1858. Its dome hosts one of the most striking panoramas in all of St. Petersburg. 

Isaakiyevskaya Ploschad, 4

9. Demidov's mansion

The antique mansion near St. Isaac’s Cathedral used to belong to the extremely wealthy Demidov family. The dynasty takes its roots in Peter the Great’s time. The house stood out with its extravagant luxury, unheard of at the time. The mansion is famous for its atlantes and caryatids, which adorn its main entrance. After a lengthy period of abandonment, the house is once again open to visitors.

Bolshaya Morskaya, 43

10. Catherine Palace

Another imperial residence that was commissioned by Peter I’s wife and completed by daughter Elizabeth. It is here that the legendary Amber Room was, which disappeared during WWII.

Ulitsa Sadovaya, 7 (the city of Pushkin)

11. Admiralty Building

Its spire, decorated with a ship, is one of the main symbols of St. Petersburg. During Peter I’s reign, it was a real stronghold, protecting the port during the Northern War. Today, the former headquarters of the admiralty on the Neva embankment houses the headquarters of the Russian Navy. 

Admiralteyskiy Proyezd, 1

12. Smolny Monastery

Construction on the building lasted 87 years, interrupted sometimes by wars, sometimes by the lack of financing. The Institute for Noble Maidens was commissioned by Catherine the Great as part of the monastery, but when it was discovered that the nuns weren’t capable of working as teachers, Catherine abandoned any hope of a bright future for the monastery. Today, the building hosts various governmental departments, as well as several faculties of the St. Petersburg State University.

Ploschad Rastrelli, 1 

13. Peter and Paul Fortress

The foundation of this building was laid in 1703, the year of the Northern Capital’s founding. A monument to Russian architecture, the stronghold is listed as a cultural heritage object. It ended up never being used for military purposes. It had used as a prison and execution ground since the reign of Peter the Great. 

Zayachiy Ostrov, Petropavlovskaya Krepost, 3

14. Vitebsk railway station

This is the oldest train station, not only in St. Petersburg, but in all of Russia. Its first passenger in 1837 was Tsar Nicholas I. The station boasts a gigantic vestibule with a beautiful staircase, stained glass, columns and numerous other symbols of imperial chique. It still is in operation today, with train services running to Central Europe, the Baltic States, Ukraine, Belarus and the southern suburbs of St. Petersburg.

Zagorodny Prospekt, 52

15. Lakhta Center

One of the most extravagant creations of modern architecture, the business complex stands at 462 meters in height, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland. It is the tallest skyscraper in Europe and No. 16 in the world. 

Ulitsa Paradnaya, 1

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St. Petersburg’s Architectural Gems

Founded in 1703 by royal decree on river-crossed marshland that had recently been taken from the Swedes, St. Petersburg was a planned city from the start. Peter the Great intended it as Russia’s new European-facing capital: an all-season port that would be the envy of the modern world. The grand palaces and municipal buildings constructed in the first two centuries of the city’s existence reflect architectural fashion of the time as well as an evolving idea of monarchy. The structures that came after the Russian Revolution were no less epic and equally laden with government message.

Unlike Paris with its Haussmannian boulevards or New York with its tangle of Moses expressways, St. Petersburg has not been redone. It survived a terrible siege by the Germans during World War II and a form of architectural reeducation under the Soviets, but the public squares, streets, and canals retain their original DNA.

The city is wonderful to explore by foot and by boat because its outdoor spaces, from public squares to building-lined canals, are some of the most beautifully designed in the world—great rooms that complement the surrounding architecture.

Click here to join me on a tour of St. Petersburg.

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What to See in St Petersburg: 20 Architectural Landmarks

We spent a week in Saint Petersburg . Our first impression was of a monotonous imitation of a French or Italian city. How wrong we were! Each day our admiration grew. Not only does St Petersburg have countless architecture landmarks, but the atmosphere is unequivocally Russian. Over 300 years of Russian history happened here! This is where Tsars lived in excess and the Bolshevik’s October Revolution started. In addition, nature provides the perfect frame. Indeed, Saint Petersburg lies on the Neva River with its numerous tributary rivers and canals. In summer the nights can be very long, thus the city’s nickname ‘City of White Nights’.

Since tourist masses are everywhere, the city isn’t immune to the perils of any major tourist destination. By the same token, many young people speak English so you won’t have any trouble finding St Petersburg’s main attractions. Nevertheless, you can still find fantastic spots without tourists, such as Vasilyevsky Island , across from the Blagoveshchenskiy Bridge. We witnessed many weddings and partied in bizarre Lomonosova Street . Russians do love to dance and drink and Petersburg has a great nighlife . We took a boat to impressive Peterhof to feel like tourists and a train to Pushkin to feel like locals. Yes, it is Russia ’s most European city, and tourists have taken over the Hermitage, but it’s absolutely gorgeous.

• 1 What to See in St Petersburg
• 2.1 The Winter Palace – Hermitage
• 2.2 Admiralty
• 2.3 Mariinsky Theatre
• 2.4 Kunstkamera
• 3.1 Peterhof – Petrodvorets
• 3.2 Tsarskoye Selo – Pushkin
• 4.1 Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
• 4.2 Saint Isaac’s Cathedral
• 4.3 Peter and Paul Cathedral and Fortress
• 4.4 Kazan Cathedral
• 4.5 Saint Alexander Nevsky Lavra
• 4.6 Catholic Church of St. Catherine
• 4.7 Grand Choral Synagogue
• 4.8 Saint Petersburg Mosque
• 5.1 Eliseyev Emporium
• 5.2 Au Pont Rouge Department Store
• 5.3 Singer’s House
• 5.4 Vitebsky Railway Station
• 6.1 Russian State Scientific Center for Robotics and Technical Cybernetics
• 6.2 Saint Petersburg Metro
• 7 Day Trips and Longer Excursions From St Petersburg
• 8.1 Related posts

What to See in St Petersburg

Palaces and museums.

Peter the Great wanted to lure Russian noble families into moving to St Petersburg, his new capital. However, the wealthy didn’t share his enthusiasm. What’s a Tsar to do? Peter issued a decree banning the construction of stone buildings anywhere outside of Saint Petersburg. Thus eventually the rich had no option but to build their lavish residences in the city. Those were the glorious days of unparallel wealth and creative art! What happened next? The October Revolution and World War II hit the city hard leaving most palaces in ruins. Fortunately for us, the Soviet/Russian authorities did a great job in rebuilding these beauties after the war.

The Winter Palace – Hermitage

St Petersburg’s main attraction is undoubtedly the Winter Palace . This lavish baroque building with more than 1000 rooms is home to the world-famous Hermitage . Peter built the palace for his daughter Elizabeth, who didn’t live to see its completion. From 1762 to 1917 it was the official residence of the tsars. From the October Revolution onwards it became a museum. Today the Winter Palace is Russia’s largest and the world’s second largest art museum.

When we arrived in St Petersburg we noticed that all main streets converged into an impressive building. We thought it was the Hermitage. Boy were we wrong! It turns out that the Central building on Neva Embankment is the Admiralty . That is the former headquarters of the Admiralty Board and current headquarters of the Russian Navy. The yellow building with a tall golden spire is a fantastic example of the typical Empire Style that dominated Russia throughout the 19th Century.

Mariinsky Theatre

For classical music and ballet lovers, the Mariinsky Theatre is amongst the top theaters in the entire world. This huge building homes the Mariinsky Ballet, Opera and the Orchestra. The world premiere of some of the best music ever written took place here in the late 19th Century, when it was Russia’s leading music theater. We are talking about works by the likes of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Modest Mussorgsky, Mikhail Glinka, and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. Take notice of the neo-byzantine decorative elements all around this neoclassical building. Finally, pop in and check the shockingly lavish auditorium.

Kunstkamera

Another palace on the Neva embankment that catches your eyes is the so-called Kunstkamera . It was the first museum building in the whole of Russia and now it houses the Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography. The highlight of the baroque facade is a tower with a sphere on top representing the planetary system. Peter the Great founded the museum himself and he was also its first collector. Today, there are some 2 million items inside the Kunstkamera.

Palaces Near St Petersburg

Peterhof – petrodvorets.

Peter was building his new capital when he had to go to Versailles. The French palace inspired him. He wouldn’t be less! Thus, he decided to build a royal palace out of the city. That’s how the Peterhof Palace Estate came to be. The place includes almost 4 Hectares of land, with upper and lower gardens and the famous Cascade Fountain. The Monplaisir Palace, on the shores of the Baltic Sea, is the original summer residence. However, the centerpiece of the estate is the Grand Palace.

Tsarskoye Selo – Pushkin

Another equally impressive place is the Tsarskoye Selo in Pushkin. This Royal Village includes two palace complexes: the highly touristic Catherine Palace and gardens, and the little-visited Alexander Palace and parks. The former is a baroque palace famous for its amber room, a faithful replica of the original room from 1770. The later is a bit smaller and closed to visitors. Nevertheless, its park is a great place for a long walk or a picnic.

Religious Sights

Though St Petersburg is a relatively young city, it was Russia’s capital. Thus, it has always attracted people from all walks of life. Therefore, the city houses Catholic and Protestant Churches, Synagogues, a Mosque, and a Buddhist temple. Likewise, an impressive collection of Orthodox temples populate the city, including 11 Cathedrals.  Mostly built during the peak of the Russian Empire, their design is lavish and grandiose.

Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

The Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, also known as the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood , is a memorial to Tsar Alexander II who was assassinated there, on the spot. This church is different from other St Petersburg religious landmarks. Its baroque and neoclassical appearance incorporates elements of medieval Russian architecture. Likewise, the Cathedral has a fantastic mosaic collection, which includes biblical scenes and ornamental patterns.

Saint Isaac’s Cathedral

Another well known St Petersburg attraction is the St. Isaac’s Cathedral . With a height of 101 meters, it was Russia’s biggest Cathedral until in 2000 the 103-meter Cathedral of God the Saviour was built in Moscow . However, with a capacity of 14000 people, it’s still the biggest. It is a museum since 1931. Although the cathedral’s base is in the shape of a Greek cross, the west influenced everything else. Both the façade with its two giant granite pillars and the interiors are neoclassical. On the other hand, Italian renaissance churches inspired the giant golden dome.

Peter and Paul Cathedral and Fortress

Both the Peter and Paul Cathedral and the Fortress were the first St Petersburg’s landmarks built by Peter the Great. The church was the first one in the city made of stone and its 123 meters (404ft) tall belfry makes it the tallest Orthodox Church in the world. Here lie the remains of almost every Russian tsar of the Romanov dynasty. The church’s architectural style is called Petrine Baroque. Take your time and admire the lavishly decorated interior.

Kazan Cathedral

The Kazan Cathedral was dedicated to Our Lady of Kazan, a very much loved icon in Russia. Apparently, St. Paul’s Cathedral in Rome inspired the architects. However, its shape is quite unique. Indeed, note that the semi-circular side façade outshines the main one. The Bolsheviks converted it into the Museum of the History of Religion and Atheism after the October Revolution. It became a religious temple once again in 1991.

Saint Alexander Nevsky Lavra

The remains of Russia’s most important Saint, Alexander Yaroslavich Nevsky are here. This medieval prince is credited with defeating the Germans and the Swedes.  Such an important figure deserved a proper burial site. Thus, in 1710 Peter I built the Saint Alexander Nevsky Lavra and transferred his remains. Through the years the monastery grew to up over 20 buildings. Unfortunately, only 5 churches survived until today. Do not forget to check the two cemeteries within the monastery. In fact, search for the tombs of Modest Mussorgsky, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and Fyodor Dostoevsky.

Catholic Church of St. Catherine

The Catholic Church of St Catherine is Russia’s oldest Catholic Church and the only one in the country with the title of basilica. Catholic churches were not allowed in St Petersburg before 1705. Thus, in 1738 a special permit was issued to build one directly on Nevsky Avenue. A strange chain of events delayed construction for years, until it finally opened in 1783. Originally run by Franciscans it was later used by Jesuits and Dominicans.

Grand Choral Synagogue

Built between 1880 and 1888 and finally consecrated in 1893, the Grand Choral Synagogue soon became the center of the Jewish community in the city. With some 3200 square meters in area and a 47m high dome, it is the second largest in Europe after the Dohany Street Synagogue in Budapest. Unfortunately, the Bolshevik’s shut down the Synagogue in 1930 and the Nazis bombed it during the siege of Leningrad. It was meticulously reconstructed and opened again in 1998. Today Jewish community institutions are established here, including a library, a kosher kitchen, and of course a yeshiva.

Saint Petersburg Mosque

The Great Mosque of Saint Petersburg is the largest mosque in European Russia. Notice the symbolic location across the Peter and Paul Cathedral. The tomb of Tamerlane in Samarkand (now Uzbekistan) inspired the mosque. Thus the beautiful colors. Grey granite covers walls, green marble the columns and blue ceramics the domes and minarets. For a time the Soviets converted it into a warehouse.

Art Nouveau Buildings

At the end of the 19th Century, a new decorative style spread all over Europe. Named Art Nouveau it brought a new take on architecture. Nonetheless, In St Petersburg, the style incorporates the National Romantic Style typical of Scandinavian countries. Many buildings have fortress-like shapes, stone towers, and folklore decorative motifs. Nevertheless, most of St Petersburg’s landmarks bear the typical Art Nouveau stamp that includes large arched windows, wrought iron decoration, and ornamental domes.

Eliseyev Emporium

While walking on Nevsky Prospect Avenue we noticed a fantastic window display with dolls dancing the Nutcracker ballet. We were at the famed Eliseyev Emporium ! Though we love the building, we could see why people were not that crazy about it when it opened. It’s extravagantly opulent! Just notice the exquisite sculptures with science and commerce motifs. Fortunately for us, the Eliseyev Emporium is not only about looks. Their coffee and cakes are superb.

Au Pont Rouge Department Store

Arguably the city’s fanciest shop, the Au Pont Rouge Department Store was the first multi-storied department in the whole of Russia. As now, the Au Pont Rouge was the place where the rich and famous shopped, including no other than the Imperial Family. As you can imagine the Bolsheviks didn’t like the shop that much so after the October Revolution of 1917 they closed it and opened a sewing factory. In 2015 the entire building was brilliantly refurbished. If you are not into shopping, you can have some cake and coffee downstairs with views of the Moyka River.

Singer’s House

The owner of the world famous Singer Company wanted a skyscraper as the ones he had seen in the US. Unfortunately, regulations in St. Petersburg at the time prohibited tall buildings. Thus the Singers House became a six-story palace. Nevertheless, breakthrough technology was used to build the House, such as the massive steel frame around the windows. Once again the Bolsheviks closed the lavish building. Fortunately, they set up a bookstore. It remained a bookstore until today, with a collection of over 20000 books in Russian and different languages.

Vitebsky Railway Station

Few people know that the first ever train in Russia departed from the Vitebsky Railway Station to the imperial residence at Tsarskoye Selo in 1837. The original building, the oldest train station in Russia, was demolished in 1901 and replaced by the fantastic Art Nouveau palace we see today. Without a doubt, it is the most lavish station in the city and fortunately mostly missed by tourists. Take your time and admire the different salons.

Soviet Architecture of Saint Petersburg

One could argue that Soviet Architecture dominates Russian cities and towns. However, most landmarks in St Petersburg follow the Baroque, Neoclassical or Art Nouveau styles. Do not despair; the Soviet legacy does exist, but mostly in the city’s outskirts. Following the October Revolution, the whole concept of residential architecture was reinvented. Consequently, priority was given to low-cost large scale projects. While most of these projects have no character or charm, a few examples are brilliant.

Russian State Scientific Center for Robotics and Technical Cybernetics

The Russian State Scientific Center for Robotics and Technical Cybernetics belongs in one of Asimov’s novels. Architects Boris Artyushin and Stanislav Savin created a masterpiece, where function conquers form. Though it opened in 1968, it looks quite futuristic. Actually, locals call the 104-meter tall tower the White Tulip. However, the building is quite alive, considered as one of the leading scientific research centers in the world. Don’t forget to walk around the gardens and check the auxiliary facilities.

Saint Petersburg Metro

Inaugurated in 1955, Saint Petersburg Metro is the second oldest and the second largest in Russia. Due to the city’s geology, St Petersburg’s metro is buried deep into the ground. In fact, at 86 meters below ground, Admiralteyskaya is the deepest station. Our favorite stations are Avtovo, Narvskaya and Ploshchad Vosstaniya, all along line No. 1, the oldest.

Day Trips and Longer Excursions From St Petersburg

St Petersburg offers plenty of easy day trips. Most of them include a visit to the impressive palaces that dot the metropolitan area. But there are several gorgeous places located just a bit further away from that tourists still haven’t discovered. You can reach them by comfortable trains and enjoy the real Russia.

Vyborg is a splendid little town just two hours from St Petersburg. There is a 13th Century castle, a 16th Century tower, a beautiful English tailored garden, and even an Alvar Aalto building. Furthermore, nature has blessed Vyborg with fantastic scenery.

Kizhi Island is fast becoming one of Russia’s most sought after destinations. The islands are located in the Onega Lake, just off the city of Petrozavodsk. We promise you will never forget the Kizhi Pogost made entirely out of wood as well as the surrounding landscape.

Granted, the Solovetsky Islands are not that close to St Petersburg. It took us 16 hours on a train to get there! However, you can go directly from Petrozavodsk after visiting Kizhi Island. In any case, these islands are a must for every adventurer. Note that since the islands are located in the White Sea, you can only go in summer. There’s an additional perk: a 15th Century monastery!

Where to Stay in St Petersburg

Our first hotel Deluxe on Galernaya was just a couple of meters away from the Admiralty, one of St Petersburg’s central attractions.

Then we stayed in a historical house, Pushkin’s , in front of the mighty Neva River. We walked to Nevsky Prospekt, along the river bank, and to and from the Hermitage.

Finally, we stayed at the nearby Comfort Hotel . Conveniently located at the entrance of the metro station, it was the perfect base for exploring the city on foot and metro.

A fancier option is the Renaissance Hotel , next to St. Isaac’s Cathedral. Go up to the terrace for a drink and outstanding views.

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