Workshop «Island in a city: connection or isolation?»

Nizhniy Novgorod, which lies at the confluence of two rivers — Oka and Volga, and is divided in two parts by Oka, today practically does not have a single embankment — with walking area, panoramic views, beaches, piers, recreational spots. A negleted island on Volga, which happens to be located in the centre of the city, is a point of intersection of conflicting interests of developers, city administration, citizens and local historians. Does the island have to be developed and is the city ready for it? What possible solutions can satisfy all people concerned? Can promotion of the island stimulate innovations around the city? Are there any foreign examples to follow?

The city is now rapidly developing, and workshop participants task will be to work out different potential scenarios for this site: from creating exhibition-trade claster, reviving old fame of fairs, to possible island flood and building of new «Nizhniy Novgorod-style Venice».

Architects and town planners who work on «City on water in Nizhniy Novgorod» project will participate in this workshop, moderated by professors of Berlage Institute — Vedran Mimiсa and Thomas Stellmach, Berlage graduate Dinka Pavelic, and Strelka student — architect and urbanist Gleb Vitkov.

Deadline for portfolio: 29th July.