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Eco Logic

The concept of ecology has expanded beyond its original meaning—the study of the interactions between living organisms and their environments. Today, the word often describes the ethics of relationships, and for architects, ecology means thoughtful consideration of everything that will be affected by planned interventions—from people to plants and birds. We act as mediators between humanity and nature, creating places where they complement rather than conflict with each other.

The sustainability of a design or urban planning solution lies fundamentally in its relevance for a specific site. For instance, in Arkhangelskoye, the challenge was to identify ways to preserve the museum estate as new residential developments sprouted around it, while ensuring people could still enjoy the popular park. In our strategic masterplan, new pavilions and event spaces were carefully integrated into the natural and historical landscape, while visitor routes and recreational activities were designed to minimise the ecosystem impact.

A site’s ecosystem, public opinion, and regulatory frameworks provide restrictions that, when interpreted thoughtfully, help reveal a site’s inherent qualities. The Ramenki development project unites three residential complexes: River, Event, and Lights, with a protected natural area stretching between them. Wowhaus proposed to transform it into a park, albeit with extreme care to minimise human impact on the environment. We laid out a network of boardwalks, bridges, and pathways, while leaving portions of the territory untouched to preserve biodiversity. The residential complexes feature courtyard oases with direct access to the park, allowing residents to enjoy nature close to home. The result is a green space that has become the neighbourhood’s key asset and signature feature.

A park can do more than reconcile people with nature—it can improve an entire district’s reputation. Kapotnya in Moscow was notorious for its proximity to an oil refinery that polluted both air and water. But as production modernised and became more environmentally responsible, the time came to address the challenges of the surrounding area. One of the first steps in restoring ecological balance was to create a riverside park along the Moscow River, in an area that used to be littered and wild. The waterlogged zones were cleaned up and transformed into a network of eco-trails with boardwalks. The more accessible spots had long been used by local residents for picnics, barbecues, and dog walks. For this purpose, we created pedestrian routes, viewing platforms, playgrounds, and designated barbecue areas. Today, Kapotnya can rightfully claim to be a green district, and the locals do not just enjoy the riverbank—they can study its ecosystem and observe aquatic wildlife.

We strive to open up natural areas while simultaneously protecting them. We devise scenarios that benefit both ecology and people. Through years of experience, we have learned to integrate nature into the city organically, rather than caging it like so many exhibits in a zoo.

Anna Ischenko: “Prohibitions do not always work when it comes to environmental care, especially in metropolitan areas. People will still find ways to barbecue in supposedly protected natural areas. We see our role in channelling this unavoidable human impact by incorporating specific user scenarios into our projects. This way, we use design devices to minimise environmental damage.”

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