Orientation session for the finalists of the III Russian Youth Architecture Biennale
On September 29 and 30, an orientation session was held for the finalists of the III Russian Youth Architecture Biennale.The session aimed at immersing the finalists in the culture and history of Kazan, and also at fully exploring the Biennale’s “The workspace of the future” theme. Thanks to the session, the participants received all the information necessary for the development of their tender proposals.
Day 1
On the first day of the orientation session, held on September 29–30, three trips to places of interest in Kazan were organized for the finalists.
The day started with a trip to the shore of Kaban Lakes, where the finalist learned about their redevelopment, about the Kamal Theatre, which is situated on the lake shore, and about three-stage wastewater treatment.
The finalists visited the Kazan National Library, the design of which won the ArchDaily & Strelka Award 2021. The guides spoke about the history of the library and about its spaces, special design elements, and the rare books and publications stored in the library.
The final point of the orientation session’s first day was the next-generation business area URBAN BUSINESS, where the manager, Anna Lozhkina, and the building’s architects spoke about the design of the center, its activity, and details of its construction.
Day 2
On the second day of the orientation session, the finalists took a trip to URAM, the largest extreme sports park in Russia, situated on the bank of the Kazanka River.
URAM Park is a part of the project for the improvement of the Kazanka Embankment. Legato Sports Architecture company, established by one of the best BMX riders, was involved in the design and construction works. The architectural concept was based on the idea of creating aesthetic sports facilities.
During a trip along the Kazanka Embankment, the finalists observed picturesque views of the eastern slope of the Kremlin, Palace Square, the Kazan Cathedral, the Church, and the skyline of the new urban area on the opposite bank.
The River Gate is one of the most effective elements of the embankment. It is situated on an urban axis with a historical relationship to both the city and the river.
The landscaping of the embankment was carried out by the Orchestra Design architectural bureau.
