URBAN FOREST

The landscape architecture project for the urban forest was developed with care for the existing forest and its character. Our goal was not to transform the territory, but to continue its natural logic: to develop the structure of the mixed forest, preserve and accentuate the central clearing, the birch grove with its regular layout, and the walking routes already established by locals long before the project began. The park is situated in a low-rise residential area that feels more like a dacha settlement than a city district. Despite its urban status, the place has a distinctly countryside feel: the forest gradually transitions into a larger woodland and further on to the nearby reservoir. For that reason, we chose the most delicate approach possible – to preserve the feeling of a living forest, avoid cluttering the space with unnecessary elements, and intervene only where truly needed.

In terms of spatial structure, we worked with a mixed forest comprising both coniferous and deciduous species. The key accents are the open central clearing and the birch grove with its distinct regular pattern, which gently contrasts with the natural texture of the forest and creates an expressive perspective. The naturally formed circular clearings were carefully integrated into the overall composition, reinforced as spatial nodes and incorporated into the route system. The planning concept is based on the existing patterns of use. There are two main entrances to the park: the northern one, accessed from the car park and intended for those arriving by car, and the southern one, closer to the city centre and more convenient for visitors using public transport or arriving on foot. The latter forms the main activity zone and serves as a meeting point for various routes. The central clearing was preserved together with the existing informal football pitch, complemented by a sports area and a yoga zone, while keeping the clearing itself as open space. A network of walking, running, cross-country skiing and cycling routes runs through the territory.

The architectural language of the project relies on natural materials and tactile textures. Benches, boardwalks, signage and other landscaping elements feature timber, log cross-sections, branches and natural finishes. Simple, deliberately rough-hewn structures, along with mesh elements filled with firewood, log cuts and pine cones, form a cohesive visual image and reinforce the sense of closeness to nature.

Small architectural forms are integrated into the environment as unobtrusively as possible: wooden decks for rest and activities, elongated benches, wayfinding elements and stopping points along the routes. Their form and materials follow the natural logic of the forest, making even the newly added elements feel like part of the existing landscape.