YEAR:              

 

2012-2013 [Diploma work]

 

 

LOCATION:

 

Leningrad region,
Priozersky district,
lake Otradnoe,
territory of botanical
station

 

area:

68,87 hectares

 

 

The aim of the project is to create a new ecological centre on the site of a former botanical station. Paying attention to stunning landscapes of this nature reserve it was decided to create a building gently blended with surroundings. Thus appeared an idea of a smooth transition of the roof into the land formation, as if it is growing from the ground. Roof is made partly green so that not to destoy the vegetation but lift it above the earth. Furthermore it becomes accessible for public and turns out to be an excellent viewing platform.

 

The other key aspect in composing the centre is its multifunction.The building incorporates research complex, education zone, public spaces and a greenhouse. Due to this division, the edifice is split into three blocks separated by passages, gradually descending to a large open plaza with a greenhouse as a core of the composition. The definite advantage of the square formed in a such a way is that it is protected from the wind on three sides. In addition, this system allows for maximum light penetration into the building and promises dramatic views of the lake throughout.

 

Organised as a multifunctional complex, each block in turn has its own centre. The labs are gathered around the conference-hall. The cinema-hall is the core of the public block. And the centre of education block is the library. These keynote spaces piercing the roof have become the vertical ladmarks of the site. Furthermore they are very convenient for installing solar panels.