Kaliningrad city has a rich history and great national heritage. At the beginning of the XX century this town was a part of Germany and was named differently- Koenegsberg. After bombing in 1940-th it was destroyed completely, however, some buildings survived and remain the architecture which has been there before. Today Kaliningrad is a developing city, with its own infrastructure; independent geographical position allows to absorb cultural features from the surrounding countries. In addition, port location provides sea-connection between other countries.
Nowadays the city represents a mix of different epochs and different styles, starting with gothic architecture, then architecture of the Soviet Union epoch and now so-called hi-tech style which is not suit to the urban fabric so well, therefore the task was to create an architecture which linked all architectural epochs together borrowing the best features and also those, comfortable for people.
The site is located in the centre of Kaliningrad city, close to the Knaiphov island-the cultural centre of the city. From the north and west site bordered with the River Pregol. On its Eastern and Sothern part there are residential buildings of 50-th with a large courtyards according to the planning strategies of that time. Generally, site has advantageous location, close to the waterfront with a view on the main Cathedral on the Knaiphov island.
Contemporary development is not designed on historical places; everything is built disrespecting historical background and unique heritage. However, in the city centre there are some architectural objects which have been survived such as: cathedral, Royal castle. As far as this place remarkable for its history it was important for me to make a proposal which contained a spirit of the architecture which had been there before not repeating anything but catches the main idea, create new architecture using contemporary technologies, materials but using historical background. In other words I tried to create an atmosphere of the place. I used plans of the beginning of the XX century to understand planning system and patterns of the structure. It was difficult task to balance between old architecture and new one, to invent new idea of the town. Thereby, I made a lot of analysis within the city center and searched for a range of the world references.
Regarding favoured central position of the place, the main idea of the project is too create a public comfortable space for people to come with children, teenagers, adults, to attract foreign tourists. A system of hotels and residential buildings is designed to exclude tourists from the locals using multiple levels of pedestrian routes, boulevards, platforms. High density of the buildings and narrow passages were taken as a base as characteristic feature of the pre-war architecture.
As far as the site is located in the "sleeping" area of the 50-th, a new urban pattern integrates organically by means of architectural methods, regarding social and cultural meaning of the place. Proposed structure enriches place with extra functions, which allows to use all advantages of the place also it is a financial solution for the city centre. Transport has easy access to each building.
Special multi-level structure of both residential and hotel complexes provide separation tourist from locals, and at the same time feeling of the common space remains. Boulevards, amphitheatres are designed for all age groups and different interests. There are ramps and special lifting devices for handicapped guests. Area is designed with various passages, stairs, amphitheaters where people could come and feel themselves isolated. Different zones are divided by the level changes.
Preserved green areas create healthy atmosphere within the complex. Closeness to the waterfront is favourable. Buildings of the hotel serve as protection barrier against the noise from the pedestrian boulevard and create friendly atmosphere in both blocks. Visual panoramic views and corridors between the buildings provide spatial comfort for visitors.
Lack of places for visit for locals and tourists are compensated by integrating new building structure, which is more attractive, from the social and cultural points of view. Financial benefits are inevitable, as complex is a cultural attraction. Technological improvements make this place unique and economical for further investments.