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Published on Archi.ru (https://archi.ru) |
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| 17.12.2024 | |
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A City Block Isoline |
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Alyona Kuznetsova |
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| Architect: | |
| Nikita Yavein | |
| Ivan Kozhin | |
| Studio: | |
| Company: | |
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Another competition project for a residential complex on the banks of the Volga in Nizhny Novgorod has been prepared by Studio 44. A team of architects led by Ivan Kozhin concluded that using a regular block layout in such a location would be inappropriate and developed a “custom design” approach: a chain of parceled multi-section buildings stretching along the entire embankment. Let’s explore the features and advantages of this unconventional method. When starting the project, the Studio 44 team focused on the silhouette and perception of the shoreline as a key element defining the context of both the land site and the “city on the Volga” as a whole. Ivan Turgenev noted a small but important detail in his “Sketches from a Hunter’s Album”: “Many Russian rivers, like the Volga, have one mountainous bank and one meadowy...” Cities, for obvious reasons, are located on the “mountainous” side, where buildings follow the terrain and develop it. The dominant structures do not compete with each other and, when viewed from the river or the opposite bank, appear as a picturesque mass that gradually dissolves into foliage and sky. Such are the panoramas of many Volga cities, particularly those where the river has not yet widened significantly.  The architectural concept for the integrated development of the embankment of the Rowing Canal in Nizhny Novgorod.Copyright: © Studio 44 The architectural concept for the integrated development of the embankment of the Rowing Canal in Nizhny Novgorod. The skylineCopyright: © Studio 44 Ivan Kozhin, Company: When we began designing, we asked ourselves: what should a residential district on the Volga look like? We can probably imagine how to build along the Neva, but does that approach suit an extended stretch of riverbank in the central part of the country? In our view, applying a block structure and designing in rigid grids everywhere is a mistake. It’s essential to find a solution that reflects the character of the place. A brief analysis led us to conclude that there is always a silhouette that follows nature, the shape of the riverbed, and the landscape. There is always a multi-layered composition created by buildings situated at different levels. So, we tried to draw a long, silhouette-like line “assembled” from individual buildings. Its curves follow the picturesque shoreline, forming public squares open towards the embankment and enclosed courtyard spaces.  The architectural concept for the integrated development of the embankment of the Rowing Canal in Nizhny NovgorodCopyright: © Studio 44The bank on the side of the Rowing Channel gains height gradually, starting from a relatively flat step where the residential complex will be located. Thus, its buildings, rising up to 13 stories, will not block the view of the low-rise houses located further up the slope but will instead create the base of the “mountain”. The architects set out to make this base a natural and picturesque continuation of the landscape.  The architectural concept for the integrated development of the embankment of the Rowing Canal in Nizhny NovgorodCopyright: © Studio 44 The architectural concept for the integrated development of the embankment of the Rowing Canal in Nizhny Novgorod. Characteristic sectionCopyright: © Studio 44The master plan solution differs significantly not only from the blocks designed by GORA and ASADOV Architects, but also appears to have no direct analogs at all. The architects arranged the buildings to resemble a isoline following the terrain – resulting in a “pixelated” wave-like ribbon that stretches along the embankment. The second key aspect is that the residential development is brought as close to the water as possible. As a result, nearly all buildings, except for four freestanding towers, are situated on the “first line”. This doesn’t guarantee that 100% of the apartments will have direct views of the Volga, but the percentage approaches the maximum possible. Another feature follows from these specifics: the line of buildings serves as a kind of boundary, with the embankment and its vibrant public life on one side, and quiet courtyards with park-like features and a more relaxed rhythm on the other. Permeability is achieved through streets, arches, and commercial spaces with dual orientations. The school, kindergartens, and sports center are clustered near the main traffic artery. A service road improves their accessibility and reduces traffic within the residential area, while a wide promenade shields the area from noise and air pollution.  The architectural concept for the integrated development of the embankment of the Rowing Canal in Nizhny Novgorod. The master planCopyright: © Studio 44 The architectural concept for the integrated development of the embankment of the Rowing Canal in Nizhny Novgorod. The master planCopyright: © Studio 44 The architectural concept for the integrated development of the embankment of the Rowing Canal in Nizhny Novgorod. The transport diagramCopyright: © Studio 44 The architectural concept for the integrated development of the embankment of the Rowing Canal in Nizhny Novgorod. The master plan of the embankment from the courtyard sideCopyright: © Studio 44 The architectural concept for the integrated development of the embankment of the Rowing Canal in Nizhny Novgorod. The viewing characteristicsCopyright: © Studio 44 The architectural concept for the integrated development of the embankment of the Rowing Canal in Nizhny Novgorod. Planning solutionsCopyright: © Studio 44 The architectural concept for the integrated development of the embankment of the Rowing Canal in Nizhny Novgorod. Ensuring the standard duration of sunlight exposureCopyright: © Studio 44The “isoline” design is not radically different from conventional blocks. Essentially, it’s their “unfolding” or “development drawing”: each segment of the “ribbon”, composed of sections with varying heights and façades, could theoretically be “folded” into a traditional urban block. The height variations, sectional offsets, and a combination of colors, plasticity, and contrasting materials help avoid the feeling of a monotonous wall. This is one of the company’s signature techniques – parceling large-scale residential development into dimensions comfortable for perception. It was even expected that at later stages of project development the parcels could be divided into lots and assigned to different architectural firms.  The architectural concept for the integrated development of the embankment of the Rowing Canal in Nizhny NovgorodCopyright: © Studio 44 The architectural concept for the integrated development of the embankment of the Rowing Canal in Nizhny Novgorod. The facade materialsCopyright: © Studio 44 The architectural concept for the integrated development of the embankment of the Rowing Canal in Nizhny NovgorodCopyright: © Studio 44Additional information not mentioned in previous texts about competition entries: part of the future neighborhood falls under the “Intensive Development Zone”, while another part is designated for “Integrated Territorial Development”. On Studio 44’s master plan, their boundary coincides with a wide boulevard between the “radial” school and kindergarten.  The architectural concept for the integrated development of the embankment of the Rowing Canal in Nizhny Novgorod. The balance of the Territory of Intensive DevelopmentCopyright: © Studio 44 The architectural concept for the integrated development of the embankment of the Rowing Canal in Nizhny Novgorod. The balance of the Integrated Development TerritoryCopyright: © Studio 44As previously mentioned, the “isoline” creates two “oppositions” – river-facing and courtyard-facing. Thanks to the wave-like layout, the embankment area expands with courtyards forming plazas and piazzettas. Commercial spaces on the ground floors – shops, cafes, and restaurants with outdoor seating – lend the area a slightly resort-like atmosphere and promote an active lifestyle, transforming the upper level of the embankment into the main public space of the district. A bike path is also laid along the upper level. The middle and lower parts of the embankment are less crowded with structures, serving primarily as promenades with viewing platforms and descents to the water. This design seems to create space for slower, more tranquil contemplation. The natural curves of the shoreline and variations in the terrain provide numerous perspectives from which the development reveals itself anew. The anchor feature of the project is a yacht center with docks and a wakeboarding station – a sport that adds variety to the winter use of the riverside boulevard. In winter, the natural terrain is also proposed as sledding hills, and the frozen Volga expands the area for walking or classic skiing.  The architectural concept for the integrated development of the embankment of the Rowing Canal in Nizhny Novgorod. The riverside boulevardCopyright: © Studio 44 The architectural concept for the integrated development of the embankment of the Rowing Canal in Nizhny Novgorod. The riverside boulevardCopyright: © Studio 44 The architectural concept for the integrated development of the embankment of the Rowing Canal in Nizhny NovgorodCopyright: © Studio 44 The architectural concept for the integrated development of the embankment of the Rowing Canal in Nizhny NovgorodCopyright: © Studio 44 The architectural concept for the integrated development of the embankment of the Rowing Canal in Nizhny Novgorod. The riverside boulevardCopyright: © Studio 44 The architectural concept for the integrated development of the embankment of the Rowing Canal in Nizhny Novgorod. The riverside boulevardCopyright: © Studio 44 The architectural concept for the integrated development of the embankment of the Rowing Canal in Nizhny Novgorod. The riverside boulevard and the courtyard. The river cafeCopyright: © Studio 44 The architectural concept for the integrated development of the embankment of the Rowing Canal in Nizhny Novgorod. The riverside boulevard viewed from the yardCopyright: © Studio 44 The architectural concept for the integrated development of the embankment of the Rowing Canal in Nizhny Novgorod. The riverside boulevard and the courtyardCopyright: © Studio 44The island near the shore is more densely developed relative to the embankment: it features a beach, an outdoor pool with a sauna, cafes, amphitheaters arranged around a pond, gazebos, and cafes. Since the island is flooded in spring, the paths and pavilions are raised on stilts.  The architectural concept for the integrated development of the embankment of the Rowing Canal in Nizhny Novgorod. The island parkCopyright: © Studio 44 The architectural concept for the integrated development of the embankment of the Rowing Canal in Nizhny Novgorod. The island park, the walking routeCopyright: © Studio 44 The architectural concept for the integrated development of the embankment of the Rowing Canal in Nizhny Novgorod. The island park. Summer cinemaCopyright: © Studio 44 The architectural concept for the integrated development of the embankment of the Rowing Canal in Nizhny Novgorod. The island park, the beachCopyright: © Studio 44 The architectural concept for the integrated development of the embankment of the Rowing Canal in Nizhny Novgorod. The summer swimming pool with a sauna in the VolgaCopyright: © Studio 44The spaces on the other side of the “isoline” are more oriented toward the green hill rising beyond the road rather than the river, which can be glimpsed here and there through arches and street vistas. Different scenarios unfold here, as people don’t always seek wind and open space. The closer to the highway, the more “urban” the landscape becomes. The transitional link is provided by four standalone towers clad in glass.  The architectural concept for the integrated development of the embankment of the Rowing Canal in Nizhny Novgorod. The yard spaceCopyright: © Studio 44 The architectural concept for the integrated development of the embankment of the Rowing Canal in Nizhny Novgorod. The riverside boulevard and the courtyardCopyright: © Studio 44The original master plan not only highlights the identity of the location but also realizes the potential inherent in the site’s size, preserving extensive areas for greenery and recreation. It’s worth noting that this solution is quite bold and risky – at this density, one must work virtuously with massing to avoid feelings of crowding and clutter, and instead evoke interest and invite the eye to linger, following the complex building line.  The architectural concept for the integrated development of the embankment of the Rowing Canal in Nizhny NovgorodCopyright: © Studio 44 The architectural concept for the integrated development of the embankment of the Rowing Canal in Nizhny Novgorod. The riverside boulevardCopyright: © Studio 44 |
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