Almost demolished after the earthquake in 2011, Christchurch center was required a renovation. The challenge for architects Zotov & Co was to recall a livable city center. After asking the question of what is needed to be happy, the architects chose nature and communication as the foundation of their concept. The center for the quarter an island covered, dense forest which concentrates all social activity. More images and architects’ description after the break.
One of its quarters closed to the historical part was rendered for showcase living block, which consists as minimum of 50 units. The block should become an attractive alternative to dwellings in suburb area and reflect also qualitative urban environment with all its arrangements. The top of the island is designed as the lawn area, the scene of action, the Greek "agora" or "maera" of Maori tribe. The roof of the townhouses - are slopes - are private gardens of residents.The river is natural barrier between private and public.
Another project idea is cyclicism. Excess consumption of foods that are grown by residents comes into vegetable and flower shops located on the ground floor and are orientated on surrounding streets quarter. Rainwater, falling into the river, is headed to the apartments for economical use. Walls of the quarter are built from soil, which is dug for foundation, and in hundred years are able to become again a natural landscape.
Architects: Zotov & Co
Location: Christchurch, New Zealand
Owner Chief Architect: Viktor Zotov
Project Leader: Olena Grankina
Team: Anastasia Ponomareva, Yuriy Larionov, Albert Parfenov, Oleg Selivanov, Iryna Tsiba
Architect Collaborator: Grisha Zotov
Structural Consultant: Gregorij Meleshko, Walt + Galmarini AG
Expert: Artem Novikov, Consulting company ‘Dialog-Classic’
Area: 8,100 sq.m
Year: 2013
