Tatarstan President about the right bank of the Kazanka River: “A lot will depend on how we develop this territory”

Today, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov was presented with projects for the development of the right bank of the Kazanka River. The best works were determined based on the results of an international architectural competition. The presentation of the concepts took place at the Kazan City Hall. It was attended by the Head of the Staff of Tatarstan President Asgat Safarov, the Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin, Aide to Tatarstan President Natalia Fishman-Bekmambetova, Aide to Tatarstan President Olesya Baltusova and the chief architect of the city Ilsiyar Tukhvatullina.

“We don't have such a site anymore. And a lot will depend on how we develop this territory. Holding a competition is the right decision, it is a good experience for us. The competition is a kind of foundation, and everyone will get new knowledge, a new vision of the territory”, - Rustam Minnikhanov said.

Ilsur Metshin, the Mayor of Kazan, reminded that a unique architectural ensemble is planned to be created on the territory of 8.9 hectares, bounded by S. Khakima Street, the Riviera hotel complex, the Kazanka water area and the future park, the design of which is currently being developed by the French landscape architect Michel Pena. The site does not include the territory of the Riviera Hotel and the Aqua Park. The head of the city said that during the competition 188 applications from 44 countries were received, 50 concepts were submitted to the professional jury, and 23 projects were included into the shortlist.

However, the experts could not determine the total winner. As a result, it was decided not to award the first place, the second place was divided between three teams and three more participants took the third place. In total, 6 prize-winners were determined, another team of architects was awarded by the customer of the competition-for a thorough and original work.

“I would like to note that in each project we see important ideas that had to be taken into account when working on the designated territory. The jury highlighted the functional aspects necessary for the city”, - Ilsiyar Tukhvatullina said. According to her, after the renovation, this territory should a comfortable environment for the citizens.

The chief architect noted that the participants faced a difficult task with specific requirements. The experts asked to take into account the peculiarities of this territory, the continuity of the embankment, where 12 park zones will be located, as well as to integrate the future multifunctional complex into the existing urban environment, reflect the cultural peculiarities of the region and not interfere with the visual perception of the Kazan Kremlin ensemble.

The jury members attended the meeting, representatives of foreign and Russian architectural bureaus participated via videoconference. They noted that for them it was a contest of ideas that set a new vector for the development of architecture.

“I'm not an expert, but I liked all the projects presented. They are all interesting and contain fresh ideas. What we have seen today is a good foundation”, -Tatarstan President said.