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A site seminar was held in Staraya Ladoga for the finalists of the international competition for the best architectural and urban planning concept for a tourist quarter in the historic centre of one of the oldest settlements of Rus’. More than 20 architects and urban planners took part. They will develop spatial development scenarios, functional and planning solutions, architectural and design concepts, and landscape proposals for the abandoned industrial site.

The finalists began by visiting the 4.5-hectare competition site, located near Staraya Ladoga Fortress, the area’s principal landmark, which was founded by Prince Rurik. The former agricultural site is to be transformed into a complex comprising a museum, apartments and a public recreational space.

“We want our tourist quarter to set a quality benchmark for similar projects not only in Russia but internationally. The purpose of the competition is to identify solutions that have never been implemented elsewhere. The use of modern, environmentally sustainable technologies is particularly important. This is a large-scale project that will be delivered in several phases, while ensuring the integrated development of the site,” said Olga Yakimenko, CEO of the competition client, the Autonomous Non-Profit Organisation “Ladoga Development Centre”, during the site visit.

The jury includes Sergei Lalazarov, Chief Architect of the Staraya Ladoga Fortress restoration project. During the seminar, he discussed the spatial structure of Staraya Ladoga, key views, transport and visitor flows. The conservation architect, who has dedicated several decades to the area, stressed the importance of respecting the interests of the village’s residents.

“It is essential to remember that you are working in a place where native Ladoga residents live. The design solutions should not separate the site from its surroundings with a fence, but make it part of their environment. Tourists will be guests here, while local residents will remain the hosts. The project should improve their quality of life,” Sergei Lalazarov said.

The seminar participants conducted a field assessment of Staraya Ladoga’s principal monuments. These included the fortress, which houses the Historical, Architectural and Archaeological Museum-Reserve and several distinctive churches; the Holy Dormition Convent, founded in the 12th century; St. Nicholas Monastery, dating from the 13th century; the burial mounds where, according to legend, Oleg the Seer rests; and active archaeological sites. The finalists also met with museum staff, representatives of the monastic communities and archaeologists.

“The area looks completely different in person from how I imagined it after studying information online. It has a deeply peaceful and uplifting atmosphere. In fact, this visit has made our task more difficult: we need to preserve this spirit while creating something new without introducing large-scale changes, which is far from easy. During the first stage of the competition, we had to present our vision for the site’s development, and we came here hoping to confirm that it was the right one. Now, however, I think there may be several possible approaches to the project,” said Mphethi Morojele, Director of MMA Design Studio, South Africa.

“One of our objectives was to identify elements of the future design code for the area, and we succeeded. It is essential to experience the atmosphere and character of the place and understand the affection that those who live and work here have for it. We always design not only with our minds, but also with our hearts,” said Irina Lomakina, Chief Project Architect at Wowhaus.

The competition was launched in late May, attracting leading Russian and international architectural practices with experience in similar projects. Around 30 industry participants with offices in ten countries submitted applications: Armenia, Greece, Montenegro, the Philippines, Russia, Serbia, South Africa, Sweden, the UAE and Uzbekistan. The jury selected five finalists. They will now develop detailed proposals covering the architectural identity of the tourist quarter, its functional programme, user scenarios and event calendar.

The finalists are:

• the Wowhaus (Moscow) + Urbanica (St. Petersburg) consortium;
• the IDP/SP + MMA Studio consortium, comprising Interdorproject, Moscow; dot.bureau, Moscow; Schematic Spaces, South Africa; and MMA Architects, South Africa;
• the SMA + WTA consortium, comprising SM Bureau, St. Petersburg; SM Arkitekter, St. Petersburg; and WTA Architecture and Design Studio, the Philippines;
• IND, Moscow, participating individually;
• the TO BE + Ingmar + BGMZ + Domina consortium, comprising TO BE architects, Ingmar Architects, architect Elena Bogomaz and Domina Management, all based in St. Petersburg.

The first interim presentation of the proposals will take place on September 10, with the competition results to be announced in November.

“We expect the finalists to produce solutions that both respect Staraya Ladoga’s distinctive historical context and offer a sustainable economic and spatial development model. A field assessment allows architects to move beyond maps and the competition brief. Our main objective is to make the project genuinely vibrant, comfortable and attractive to tourists and local residents throughout the year,” said Sergei Georgievskii, Co-founder, Agency for strategic development "CENTER", representing the competition operator.