/// Proposal: Nov 2012
/// Team: Jurgen Mayer H, Sebastian Finckh, Anna Ulak, Hugo Reis and Jascha Fink
/// Project designers: Anna Ulak and Hugo Reis
/// Location: Vlashika, Russia 15 km outside of Moscow
/// The master planning strategy for Vlasikha is to create a strong identity of the new development yet provide for variety and respect the neighboring communities.
Two types of links are used to subdivide the large area into quarter at an adequate scale: the „hard“ connection which defines the main traffic passage and access. The „soft“ connector is creating a green belt, serving as a lung for sane urban respiration.
The „soft“ landscape connection extends the Selishche and the historical center of Laikovo east through the new proposed development and links it to the forest. This new public space emphasizes and connects the old historical center of Laikovo with the new landscape center of Vlasikha. This extended soft center can also act as a programmatic activator during holiday seasons (i.e. leisure/markets) and become avenue for various activities such as concerts, celebrations, or as a meeting point.
This project explores a new type of urban pattern within the European context. Instead of having typical square blocks with central courtyards, an octagonal pattern is utilized for the blocks. Therefore inverting the typical courtyard to mingle with the intersections. This is to create the opportunity for more public spaces within the micro city.
/// The hard connection links the north road access point of the current city Laikovo and extends through the site making a new connection to the south road and potential future development site.
/// Plotting terms:
1. Schools, child daycare centers
2. Park landscape “Selishche” soft connector
3. Cottages, townhouses, few-storey buildings
4. Cottages, townhouses, few storey buildings,
5. Mid and multistoried buildings
6. Parking for mid and multistoried buildings,small shops, parmacy, bank, restaurant shopping and leisure center, medical center,fire station, sport and recreation center, medical center, fire station, large engineering facilities.
A grid is used to divide the blocks of the site and provides ease of use for the residents. The grid is twisted to fit the geometry of the site and thus provides a customized version giving an identity to Vlasikha. Within the grid is a variety of three street types from accomodating large traffic loads and mix use to small traffic loads and more pedestrian friendly circulation.
The abstracted octagon type pattern is used for the geometry of the buildings in plan. Like the grid this pattern gives a unifying identity for the community at the same providing for a variety of building types and programs. The pattern also provides for generous setbacks and ample public/green space between the buildings.
Furthermore in the the center of these octagon type pattern are the intersections of the streets. Instead of having a typical square geometry with a central courtyard (typical European urban pattern), this is inverted. Thus providing a new type of public space. One that embraces the intersection. A new urban pattern is created in the eastern European context.
Laikovo east through the new proposed development and towards the forest. This new public space emphasizes and connects the old historical center of Laikovo with the new landscape center of Vlasikha. This exended soft center can also act as a programmatic activator during holiday seasons (i.e. markets) and become a venue for various activities such as concerts, celebrations, or as a meeting point.
Small agricultural lots are provided at the edge of the cottages on the north east of the site. Like the green public connector this offers the residences to engage in the landscape in a more productive manner.
