The Volga Regatta

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Published on Archi.ru (https://archi.ru)
04.12.2024
The Volga Regatta
Alyona Kuznetsova
Studio:
Gorshunov Architecture Bureau GORA
GloraX plans to develop a residential complex spanning 14 hectares along the Volga River in Nizhny Novgorod. The winning design in a closed-door competition, created by GORA Architects, features housing typologies ranging from townhouses to terraced high-rise slabs, a balance of functions, diverse ways of engaging with the water, and even a dedicated island (no less!) for the city residents. The Grebnoy (“Rowing”) Channel embankment stretches along the Volga side of Nizhny Novgorod for eight kilometers, from the city’s central bend downstream. The channel itself was formed in 1976 when the large Pecherskie Peski Island was connected to the shore, creating a calm inlet perfect for rowing activities. Closer to the city center, the embankment is lively, hosting a cable car station that crosses the Volga to the town of Bor, an updated judge’s tower, an amphitheater, and flowerbeds – projects previously designed by GORA Architects. The next section of the embankment is slated for renewal by the project developed by Novaya Architects. Farther away from the city, the strip between the embankment street and the river broadens and becomes more untamed. The concrete shoreline transitions to gentle green terraces dotted with yacht clubs, boat stations, tourist facilities, and vacant lots. A significant portion of this 14-hectare area is slated for transformation into a residential complex by GloraX. Architectural concept for the comprehensive development of the Grebnoy Canal embankment in Nizhny Novgorod. Location plan Copyright: © GORA Architects This spring, GloraX held a closed-door competition, attracting participants like Studio 44, Asadov Architects, Kamen, and Parametrica. GORA Architects, led by Stanislav Gorshunov, scored the first place. Architectural concept for the comprehensive development of the Grebnoy Canal embankment in Nizhny Novgorod. Panorama with perspective development Copyright: © GORA Architects For this expansive site, GORA employs various architectural morphotypes. Nearer the city lies a block-style cluster where building heights increase as they recede from the river, from five stories along the embankment to 12 stories in focal areas. Townhouses form a transitional zone at the edge, providing a smooth shift in scale and landscape. The tallest and densest buildings are located in the third section furthest from the city: a cluster of terraced structures rising 11-13 stories, creating three urban blocks that sport distinct silhouettes. Comparing the buildings to ships might seem a little bit clichéd, but in this case, such a comparison feels neither banal nor inappropriate. Architectural concept for the comprehensive development of the Grebnoy Canal embankment in Nizhny Novgorod Copyright: © GORA Architects Architectural concept for the comprehensive development of the Grebnoy Canal embankment in Nizhny Novgorod. Master plan Copyright: © GORA Architects Architectural concept for the comprehensive development of the Grebnoy Canal embankment in Nizhny Novgorod. Layout of the 1st floor Copyright: © GORA Architects Public and social buildings serve as spatial pauses between residential areas. These include a yacht club, the Shamil Tarpishchev sports center with tennis courts and a swimming pool, a school, and daycare centers, all situated closer to the main road. This layout prioritizes waterfront access for apartments, though the design's inherent permeability ensures views of the river even from points farther inland. The functional layout also reveals a balanced mix of residential, recreational, and public spaces. Architectural concept for the comprehensive development of the Grebnoy Canal embankment in Nizhny Novgorod. Axonometric diagram of social and public infrastructure. Copyright: © GORA Architects Architectural concept for the comprehensive development of the Grebnoy Canal embankment in Nizhny Novgorod. Axonometric diagram of the functional zoning of the area. Copyright: © GORA Architects The site’s landscaping maximizes its natural advantages. The multi-level embankment becomes the focal point of public life. The upper tier features a promenade lined with commercial spaces at the bases of the residential blocks. The second tier is designated for bicycles and scooters. Closest to the water is a zone for quiet relaxation, along with piers and yacht clubs. Architectural concept for the comprehensive development of the Grebnoy Canal embankment in Nizhny Novgorod Copyright: © GORA Architects Architectural concept for the comprehensive development of the Grebnoy Canal embankment in Nizhny Novgorod Copyright: © GORA Architects Architectural concept for the comprehensive development of the Grebnoy Canal embankment in Nizhny Novgorod Copyright: © GORA Architects One unique site feature is a small island near the shore. GORA connects it to the embankment via a circular bridge, integrated into the central plaza with an amphitheater and a stage. The architects envision the island hosting a recreational area, a bath complex, and a restaurant with a pier. This design enables the residents to interact daily with the water – whether by visiting the pool or baths, rowing or engaging in other sports, or simply enjoying the sweeping river views. Architectural concept for the comprehensive development of the Grebnoy Canal embankment in Nizhny Novgorod Copyright: © GORA Architects Architectural concept for the comprehensive development of the Grebnoy Canal embankment in Nizhny Novgorod. Axomomic layout of the island Copyright: © GORA Architects For GloraX, the Grebnoy Channel is their third major waterside project in Nizhny Novgorod, though their two previous developments are situated along the Oka River. Construction on this project is scheduled to begin this year, with completion targeted for 2029. Further details about the project can be found here. текст: Алёна Кузнецова Architectural concept for the comprehensive development of the Grebnoy Canal embankment in Nizhny Novgorod Copyright: © GORA Architects Architectural concept for the comprehensive development of the Grebnoy Canal embankment in Nizhny Novgorod Copyright: © GORA Architects Architectural concept for the comprehensive development of the Grebnoy Canal embankment in Nizhny Novgorod. Characteristic sections of the territory Copyright: © GORA Architects Architectural concept for the comprehensive development of the Grebnoy Canal embankment in Nizhny Novgorod. Cluster 1.1. Townhouses Architectural concept for the comprehensive development of the Grebnoy Canal embankment in Nizhny Novgorod. Layout plan. Cluster 1.1 Copyright: © GORA Architects Architectural concept for the comprehensive development of the Grebnoy Canal embankment in Nizhny Novgorod. Layout plan. Cluster 1.2. Axonometric view Copyright: © GORA Architects Architectural concept for the comprehensive development of the Grebnoy Canal embankment in Nizhny Novgorod. Layout plan. Cluster 1.2.1. Standard floors. Copyright: © GORA Architects Architectural concept for the comprehensive development of the Grebnoy Canal embankment in Nizhny Novgorod. Layout plan. Cluster 1.2.2. Standard floors Copyright: © GORA Architects Architectural concept for the comprehensive development of the Grebnoy Canal embankment in Nizhny Novgorod. Layout plan. Cluster 2. Axonometric view Copyright: © GORA Architects Architectural concept for the comprehensive development of the Grebnoy Canal embankment in Nizhny Novgorod. Layout plan. Cluster 2. Floors Copyright: © GORA Architects Architectural concept for the comprehensive development of the Grebnoy Canal embankment in Nizhny Novgorod. Layout plan. Cluster 2. Standard floors Copyright: © GORA Architects Architectural concept for the comprehensive development of the Grebnoy Canal embankment in Nizhny Novgorod. Layout plan. Cluster 3. Axonometric view Copyright: © GORA Architects Architectural concept for the comprehensive development of the Grebnoy Canal embankment in Nizhny Novgorod. Layout plan. Cluster 2 Copyright: © GORA Architects Architectural concept for the comprehensive development of the Grebnoy Canal embankment in Nizhny Novgorod. Layout plan. Cluster 3. Standard floor Copyright: © GORA Architects Architectural concept for the comprehensive development of the Grebnoy Canal embankment in Nizhny Novgorod. Layout plan. Cluster 4. Axonometric view Copyright: © GORA Architects Architectural concept for the comprehensive development of the Grebnoy Canal embankment in Nizhny Novgorod. Layout plan. Cluster 4. 2nd floor Copyright: © GORA Architects Architectural concept for the comprehensive development of the Grebnoy Canal embankment in Nizhny Novgorod. Layout plan. Cluster 4. 11th floor Copyright: © GORA Architects Architectural concept for the comprehensive development of the Grebnoy Canal embankment in Nizhny Novgorod. Layout plan. Cluster 5. Axonometric view Copyright: © GORA Architects Architectural concept for the comprehensive development of the Grebnoy Canal embankment in Nizhny Novgorod. Layout plan. Cluster 5. 2nd floor Copyright: © GORA Architects Architectural concept for the comprehensive development of the Grebnoy Canal embankment in Nizhny Novgorod. Layout plan. Cluster 5. 8th floor Copyright: © GORA Architects Architectural concept for the comprehensive development of the Grebnoy Canal embankment in Nizhny Novgorod. Layout plan. Cluster 6. Axonometric view Copyright: © GORA Architects Architectural concept for the comprehensive development of the Grebnoy Canal embankment in Nizhny Novgorod. Layout plan. Cluster 6. 2nd foor Copyright: © GORA Architects Architectural concept for the comprehensive development of the Grebnoy Canal embankment in Nizhny Novgorod. Layout plan. Cluster 6. 11th floor Copyright: © GORA Architects