The Jury of the Open International Competition for the development of Saratov’s City Centre has selected two finalists: Citymakers (Russia) and KARRES EN BRANDS (the Netherlands). Strelka KB is the operator of the competition.
These teams have proposed creative solutions to integrate and develop five sites across the city centre, namely the former Saratov-Tsentralny airport, the memorial Park Pobedy (Victory Park) on Sokolovaya mountain, the Ostrov Zelyony (Green Island), Glebuchev Ovrag (Glebuchev ravine), and Pokrovskie Peski island. The concepts propose a framework of key planning, landscaping and transport solutions to develop or reimagine the project sites.
Finalist #1: KARRES EN BRANDS in consortium with MANDAWORKS + KOSMOS
The five sites represent an immense opportunity to activate the city. Mirroring the ecological network, the five sites can stimulate the development of an urban ecosystem for the enhancement of health and the pursuit of an active life. By elevating Saratov’s existing cultural and recreational landmarks and adding new ones into the mix the City can offer a multi-faceted and engaging sequence of spaces for residents and visitors alike. Iconic destination points, memorable experiences, and design landmarks encourage citizens to participate in the city building process, and raise interest in the city from outsiders, encouraging further investment and development.
With clear priorities and focus the ecological landscape, human-centred infrastructure, and recreation network can become the driving force of remade urban Saratov. Although individually small in nature, the precision of the ecological, infrastructural, and recreational stitches has the potential to transform the city and weave together the mountains, Volga riverscape, new city centre and historic core.
Finalist #2: Citymakers in consortium with Arteza + Megabudka + Faculty of Biology Saratov State University + STP
5 territories can transform Saratov into a city that fulfils its potential to become an attractive place, full of opportunities and comfortable to live in. A unique place where life and work, vibrance of a city and calmness of a province, new and traditional values are well balanced. An ideal home for families enjoying leisures and educaiton, revealing the jewels of the Volga landscape.
All five territories are interconnected, and transport develops the ideology of the project: a cableway, boats and bicycles form the image of Saratov as a hospitable tourist center, adding a bit of adventure to the everyday life of residents.
Other shortlisted teams were:
- Novaya Zemlya + Mæ Architects Ltd + Wagon Landscap…4 Ltd + 8 Lines Ltd + Architecture bureau «NOVOE»
- l’AUC + Mosbach Paysagistes + OFFICE Kersten Geers David Van Severen + TM:project bureau
- ADEPT + TOBE Architects + Buro Happold
