CASPIAN SEA RESORT 2012 -

The master plan provides a unique opportunity to test, at a larger scale, ideas about mixed use and sustainability. The proposal through a strategic approach, conceives and visualises a contemporary, sustainable, vibrant environment of architectural diversity, ecological compatibility and integration. A world-class destination of a landmark resort for residents, visitors and businesses at the shore of the Caspian Sea. The master plan aims to draw life to the waterfront, combining housing, offices and commercial uses together with a wide range of social, cultural and recreational amenities including a marina and the extended beachfront.

Each residential area of the development has its own identity. Designed to appeal to a diverse social mix, the residences combine a variety of different scales and types. A network of pleasant pedestrian routes meander throughout the site, while a wider spine road crossing the entire site is characterized by a careful balance between pedestrians, cars and public transport.

Borrowing from the traditional architectural heritage, the design negotiates the smaller scale, by being compact and systematic. The master plan owes to become inherently sustainable through passive means, such as natural ventilation, careful orientation -to minimise direct sunlight and maximise ventilation- and the manipulation of the thermal mass of the buildings.

A guiding principle was the aim to create a flexible framework that will allow individual elements to be developed independently in subsequent phases.