The intention is that this centre should be able to rival California’s Silicon Valley.
Imagined by Vladimir Putin to resemble the famous Star City in the ex-Soviet Union and transposed to a universe incorporating all leading edge technologies, this complex will house research and university laboratories, established and start-up companies, networking and seminar hubs, as well as friendly residential zones. On conclusion of a Russian competition, each district has been given to a different internationally known architect (Sanaa, OMA, Boeri, etc.). After careful planning, Agence d’Architecture A. Bechu & Associés has unveiled its design for District 11 of the project. Concentrating on ecological housing, this district will contain individual houses dedicated to researchers and their families, under the greater goal of positive social interactions. “Like penguins gathering on ice in a circle to keep each other warm, one hundred villas are grouped in tens, in a vast clearing surrounded by a river to accommodate snowmelt explained the architects in a press release. This organization also allows for the formation of micro-communities around a central square, reminiscent of a village.” Each of the villas will be unique, giving occupants their own identity within the urban ensemble, but will all feature a modular concrete frame, green roof, and use of renewable energy and water recycling. Public functions and common shared services will be located in a central area, in order to create a social link between residents.
