The republic of Sakha in Yakutia is the largest administrative territorial unit in the world boasting an area of over 3 million square kilometres on the Far East of Russia. It is a truly unique place on Earth famous not only for numerous diamond mines and extreme weather conditions (temperature fluctuates between -60 and +40 degrees C), but also for its talented population and unique cultural background. Yakutsk is the capital of the republic, as well as the largest city in the world located in the eternal frost area (the population is over 320 000). Nowadays, there exists a severe shortage of social and educational spaces where young people can comfortably spend time, socialize, and develop their creative skills all year round.

The future generations park SAHKA_Z in Yakutsk is a new educational typology, where recreational, urban and social programs come together in order to support and develop the talent of Yakutia’s youth. A system of exterior and interior spaces was imagined on the 2.4 hectare site offering multi-purpose exhibition areas, conference halls, coworking, education centres and other innovative spaces. The park is aimed at developing creativity and individuality through private specialized colleges and free platforms for start-ups to work on new innovations. Educational program is harmoniously brought together with the recreational one, as well as integrated into the natural environment of the park. There are multiple walking and jogging routes planned, together with spaces for sports and open-air events. The complex is designed to fit the needs of all age groups of the city, although, the primary focus is on the “generation Z” and students of the nearby university.

The inspiration for the massing concept of the complex lies in Yakutia’s unique natural landscape and cultural identity. The image of Yakutian melted lakes, meandering rivers and eternal frost crystals vastly influenced the formal design of the open-air spaces. Moreover, the architectural concept was conceived in connection to the epos, folklore characters, symbols and ornaments, as well as traditional dwellings of Yakutia’s native tribes. High technologies, systems of climate control, and everchanging event schedules were employed in order to ensure permanent activity of the complex throughout the year.

SAKHAblock is a universal modular unit utilised in architecture and landscaping, which activates new strategies of planning for comfortable social spaces in the Far East region, as well as allowing for the realisation of the Sakha’s and its population’s potential to the fullest.

In January 2019, the project became won the Russian architectural competition. Since then, it acquired numerous awards and nominations, as well as attracted investment by the “100 leaders of urban planning” program. In December 2019, SAKHA_Z got an honourable mention award at the WAF World Architecture Festival’s “Educational Projects” nomination. Additionally, the video directed for the project won the main award at WAF Visualisation Prize nomination.