KAZAN BOASTS AN EXTREME NEW ADDITION

The park titled URAM Extreme Park finished production in 2020 and expertly combines its functionality abilities to provide free public space, and a location for professional Olympic Athletes to train. Moscow based architecture firm Legato Sports Architecture are responsible for executing the project, which manifests their global goal to distinguish sports architecture as a separate form of Russian architectural art.

As an overall minimalistic design, Legato placed a significant focus on the accents and smaller elements of the project, to ensure a modest but detailed and thought out design. As such, the project has incorporated masonic pieces that take inspiration from Soviet monumental art, with placement on the street plaza for viewing from those using the park or simply passing by. Even the colour palette was carefully selected to evoke significance and beauty among the concrete structures, displaying an array of orange, purple, and blues, which reflect sunsets on the Kazanka river.  

The site boasts a visitor count totalling 13,000 guests monthly, due to its central location and easy public access around 4,000 people actively catch public transport to get there. With the site based between Gorky Park and Kremlin, many residents who use the pedestrian routes of nearby infrastructure have welcomed the new addition as a perfect vessel to break up the dense area.

Four main objectives were established when planning the site, with Legato receiving a task layered with much difficulty. Namely, the park had to have; potential for both professional and amateur competions and training, fitting the historical context of the city centre and finally providing a public space for recreational use. Although this presented potential problems, Legato was able to execute all these requirements using zoning, and a sophisticated, well-planned design.  

The production of the park also leans into efforts toward biodiversity, and Kazan’s commitment to improving the ecological atmosphere of the area. Legato was selective and paid detailed attention to ensuring these goals were considered in every part of the park’s design and production. Natural materials, harmless coating, shotcrete,  and durable materials were used to construct much of the park’s structures. Moreover, green flower beds were implemented on the exterior of the park, rather than jarring and potentially unsafe fences. 

The park is now open for athletes - both amateur and professional- to train, families to enjoy, and those hoping to learn more about the combination of the city’s historical landscape and its ecological efforts.

Photographs by Daniil Shvedov