Commissioned by the “Podari Zhizn” fund, we have devised a landscape architecture concept for the Izmalkovo recreation centre designed for children undergoing oncological treatment, and their parents who stay with their children during the rehabilitation. Our design creates comfortable, friendly and inclusive environment for the children of different ages and ensures the freedom of movement and recreation.

When working on the architectural image, we decided the design should be governed by the use of natural materials, as well as deep interaction with the environment. An image of a granny’s country house and some paradise garden morphed into an environment where children can rest, play together and with their parents. Having consulted a child psychologist, we found out that the rehabilitation goes better when you can see the fruits of your interaction with the environment. For example, if you can plant something and see it grow, take care of it and get a harvest. That is why in the middle we placed a greenhouse to grow fruit plants. The greenhouse looks like a pavilion separated into two parts: the greenhouse with plants itself and common space with a large table where children can meet, attend masterclasses or just play. Children can also explore the world through tactile and visual interaction with lush greenery and elements imitating natural landscape (a mini-forest, gardens and a stream). The stream starts at the greenhouse and runs across the entire site. It features elements for water play that help children explore physical properties of water. Along the stream, there are islands, rapids, dams, watermills and just water pumps. All the playgrounds are divided into 3 areas by age group and by meaning: toddler playground for children ages 0 to 3 – “Garden play, movement”, 3 to 7 y.o. – “Building”, 7 to 15 y.o. – “Adventures, controlled risk”.

Special attention in the project was given to vegetation. It was important to create a feel of a cozy country house and the terrain as wild as it could be. Besides, we wanted, on the one hand, to eliminate allergy-inducing, prickly and non-safe plants, but on the other hand, to create the possibility for visually impaired people to find their way around by good smells. At the western side of the site, we provided a “forested area” with bird feeders for people to take walks in the calm and quiet and to rest. To add to the image of a country house, we have developed spots for rest such as gazebos that visually show simple architectural forms and mirror the inclined roofs of the buildings on the site.