By A consortium comprising Progress, Miralles Tagliabue EMBT, and Cushman & Wakefield has advanced to the final stage of a design competition for a tourist center in Novorossiysk, Russia. Situated along the Admiral Serebryakov embankment, the proposal aims to not only provide hospitality spaces but also introduce distinctive facilities like a wine museum, a fish market, and an “artificial island” to enhance the city’s appeal to residents and visitors alike. At the core of the design concept lies the idea of embracing nature’s forces and preserving the characteristic charm of Novorossiysk as a port city.
Embracing the Concept of a “Natural City”
The consortium envisions a “natural city” that evolves organically into a complex yet inviting network of streets and squares, defying conventional planning grids. The master plan’s curvilinear layout is inspired by a wind rose analysis of the Novorossiysk Bay area. Wind, sun, and water—nature’s triumvirate—are integrated into the design, with various axes strategically placed to provide protection from adverse weather conditions.
Integrating Nature into the Urban Landscape
A key feature of the proposal is the incorporation of a botanical garden along the existing embankment. Serving as the proposal’s linear centerpiece, the garden not only adds aesthetic value but also acts as a natural windbreak, shielding visitors from sea breezes. Additionally, a promenade runs parallel to the embankment, offering sheltered pathways behind the first line of buildings. These curved structures not only enhance the scenic views of the bay but also provide respite from gusty winds.
Emulating the Port City Aesthetic
To maintain the distinctive character of Novorossiysk as a port city, the design embraces a human scale and incorporates modern yet locally sourced materials. This approach ensures that the architectural language resonates with the city’s maritime heritage while infusing contemporary elements to meet the demands of a modern tourist hub.
The proposed tourist center in Novorossiysk reflects a harmonious blend of nature-inspired design principles and urban functionality, promising to elevate the city’s allure as a vibrant destination along the Black Sea coast.
