Soft Urbanism
The concept of comprehensive territorial development is based on striking a balance between the new urbanized space and the natural context, expanding the existing body of water, and creating a natural frame, on which all residential and public infrastructure is strung.
Scope of work:
master plan, concept of spatial and planning solutions, concept of façade solutions
Function:
comprehensive territorial development (housing, social facilities, commercial functions)
Total area:
160 390 m2
Year:
2024−2025
Location:
Leningrad Region
Awards:
master plan, concept of spatial and planning solutions, concept of façade solutions
Function:
comprehensive territorial development (housing, social facilities, commercial functions)
Total area:
160 390 m2
Year:
2024−2025
Location:
Leningrad Region
Awards:
- Golden Section 2025 UMA (Union of Moscow Architects) Diploma
- Finalist of the 2025 Architekton Competition
- Silver Winner of the International Architecture & Design Awards 2026 (IADA) in the Urban Design & Master Planning category
The settlements surrounding the design site have a rich history. The chronology highlights key stages of development: the founding of Krasnoye Selo by Peter the Great, which gained strategic importance near the Dudergof Heights, the establishment of a paper factory, the testing of the first Russian aircraft by engineer Mozhaysky, and the testing of the world’s first four-engine aircraft by engineer Sikorsky.
The concept of spatial development is based on 6 principles of soft urbanism:
- Development of natural potential and creation of a unifying recreational zone — a natural framework of the territory.
- Integration of the natural framework and the system of public spaces. The recreational zone combines different types of sites, as well as a long cycling route.
- Development of the space taking into account the scenarios of use depending on the time of year.
- Formation of different types of urban spaces: an open square, a semi-open square, a street in a residential area, a green boulevard. The volumetric and spatial solution creates various architectural mise-en-scène when moving between the blocks.
- Silhouette development of buildings of varying heights from 4 to 8 stories to create an expressive image and a sense of a diverse city. Urban planning accents on the view axes.
- Integration of urban villas — 4-6-story residential buildings with spacious apartments, terraces, and dense greenery, which provides residents with a hybrid between urban and suburban life.
The new development reflects on the rich historical context of the place. The façades are personalized with different patterns of decorative fragments, which serve as elements of expressiveness and navigation. The restrained color scheme, tactile finishing materials, details, and proportions of the façade elements contribute to creating a modern interpretation of the historical context, seamlessly blending into the natural landscape and creating a cozy atmosphere for living and recreation.
akvk+partners — creating architectural history
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