Team KARRES EN BRANDS, MANDAWORKS, KOSMOS one of two selected winners by an international jury for the 688ha planning competition in Saratov. With the proposal “Weaving Saratov” we put forth a sensitive approach to complex urban regeneration and reconnected Saratov to both its natural landscape as well as its cultural heritage.
The vision extends across five key sites including a new 240Ha district on the grounds of the former airport Saratov-Central, a 275Ha ecological park at Ostrov Zeleny (Green Island), Park Pobedy (Victory Park), Glebuchev Ovrag (Glebuchev Ravine), and Pokrovskie Peski Island. These sites bring together Saratov’s varied urban and ecological contexts, on the banks of the Volga river.
“Weaving Saratov” combines large-scale urban development, with landscape ecologies and architectural interventions to shape a model for the Russian city of the 21st century.
The New City District includes around 3 mil m2 of mixed-use program and housing typologies in perfect balance with the airport heritage and local ecological networks. It will reconnect the city and provide a new center for Saratov stitching together the segregated surroundings and repairing the green ravine system.
Airport site
Each of the four park projects is a testament to resilient landscape planning. They combine strategic architectural interventions with comprehensive ecological strategies to define a new green recreational network that will enhance biodiversity and contribute to climate proofing the city.
Glebuchev ravine combines a sustainable water collection system with exciting new connections and spaces for play and activity, turning climate planning into a tool for community building and vibrant city life.
Pobedy Park integrates a complex system of pathways and hillside gardens that provide access to the elevated park but at the same time repair the fragile hillside and prevent landslides. At the top, it rewards its visitors with a beautiful military museum, with pieces playfully laid out in a colorful garden-like landscape.
Glebuchev ravine
Peski Island will become a gem in the middle of the Volga river combining strategies that prevent erosion with iconic recreational interventions.
The ecological paradise, that is Zelenyi Island makes use of a vernacular typology (that of the floating “debarcader”/wharf) to leave room for local ecologies, and in the process define iconic new focus points around the island.
An intensive selection process narrowed down applications from 67 teams to 5 shortlisted and ultimately 2 selected finalists. The two winning proposals will be up for public voting, giving the inhabitants of Saratov the final say in which ideas get implemented in their city.
Zelenyi Island
Park Podeby
Render credits: © Vivid Vision