Landscaping solution for the surroundings of the new Russian secondary school that opened in Dushanbe in the fall of 2022 was created in the studio. It further develops the solutions of the façades and interiors and fits well with the new architecture.
Palette
The area surrounding the school is divided into four parts according to the seasons.
The main square in front of the entrance is dedicated to the winter, since it is the season most closely associated with Russia. The monochrome color scheme does not distract from the bright façade.
The spring zone offers a smooth transition to the richer and warmer shades of red. Bright colors are combined with natural materials: stone and wood.
The summer area is the most eye-catching: warm shades of red and yellow are present in all elements of landscaping.
In the fall zone, the warm colors transition back to cool.
In the courtyards, the design is more relaxed: it should not dissonate with the bright inner façades.
The main square in front of the entrance is dedicated to the winter, since it is the season most closely associated with Russia. The monochrome color scheme does not distract from the bright façade.
The spring zone offers a smooth transition to the richer and warmer shades of red. Bright colors are combined with natural materials: stone and wood.
The summer area is the most eye-catching: warm shades of red and yellow are present in all elements of landscaping.
In the fall zone, the warm colors transition back to cool.
In the courtyards, the design is more relaxed: it should not dissonate with the bright inner façades.
Landscaping
The natural character of the area
The area has a pronounced recreational character with places for rest under the canopy of trees in the lush grass and shrubs.
Leisure facilities
Functional amenities introduce points of attraction to the area that take into account different ages of visitors and their varying interests.
Identity
The school’s landscaping creates a unique space with a recognizable design code.
We started by closely studying how people and cars move around the school grounds, took into account utilities’ rights of way, developed principles for the design of surfaces and fences, added lighting and created the logic of plants placement.
Winter
The entrance area with the main square is a tranquil place, similar to a winter forest. Since it is designed for guests, such as parents, there are no areas for active entertainment here.
Tranquility and smoothness
Calm palette
Russian forest
Smooth lines in design solutions
Restrained colors in landscaping
Firs and birches
Vegetation is an important part of the concept that emphasizes functional zoning and stylistic decisions.
Blue spruce
Silver birch
Reed grass
Feather reed grass
Bush grass
Tulip
Spruces and birches, common plant symbols of Russia, are used here, they are positioned carefully not to obscure the façade.
A bright accent is provided by an art object in the form of a red horse, reminiscent of an old Russian toy. The color of the object echoes the accents on the façade.
Lamps and canopies of complex shapes create shade and protect from the weather.
Spring
A combined play space designed for different age groups of the elementary school helps children find their own way and make new acquaintances.
Development
Active play
Classes
Creative development environment
Active games space
Place for work and rest
Vegetation consists of ornamental apple trees, reed grasses, cereal plants and different varieties of tulips.
Dynasty tulip
Common apple tree
Stipa capillata
Supermodel tulip
Silvergrass
Feather grass
Four playgrounds are separated by canopies with swings.
The first one is for construction activities and features a light and safe construction kit.
The second one is designed for physical activity. The third is equipped with places to relax and work in open air.
The fourth is used for meteorological observations and practical lessons.
Summer
The sports core is the stadium with a running track, soccer, basketball and volleyball fields, gymnastic fields, long jump and high jump pits, as well as rock climbing and workout zones.
Combination of bright colors
Overcoming space
Sports activities
Contrasting landscaping solutions
Relief as part of the play space
Sports orientation of the zone
Many different fruit trees—cherries, lemons, plums, apples— and sprawling deciduous trees with broad crowns—willows, oaks, plane trees— are planted here. Grasses allegorically represent Russian fields with all their richness: meadow flowers and grasses, reeds and lushly blooming shrubs.
Kaufman tulip
Sparkling sage
Aphrodite astilbe
Stipa capillata
White willow
Fruit trees: plums, lemons, apples, pears
The landscaping is multifunctional: the soccer field can be used for volleyball or basketball, while the area in front of the amphitheater can be used for drill training and warm-ups. Many canopies allow to hide from the heat in hot weather.
Like a patchwork quilt, the zone combines broken lines and rounded curves, open spaces and small secluded corners. This emphasizes that this is a place for all ages, where students of all grades come together.
Fall
The exhibit with photos, collages, crafts and posters gives the graduates of each class a chance to leave a piece of themselves and their memories of the school.
History
Vegetable garden
Quick break
Photos of graduates
School gardens
Transit recreation areas
Vegetation includes bright maples and mini vegetable gardens that emphasize the overall style.
Cabbage
Lettuce
Tomato
Sweet pepper
Amur maple
Pattypan squash
Since this is a transit area, it includes places to take a short break, separated by ornamental plants.
Courtyards
The courtyards are quiet corners in the active world of the school for relaxation or reading in the shade.
Quiet rest
Simple shapes
Contrast
Places for secluded recreation
Geometric shapes in landscaping
Contrast between the façade and the landscaping
The lack of flowers in the flowerbeds creates contrast with the façades, which is further emphasized by monochrome granite paving.
The area is landscaped with perennial grasses and shrubs that flower sparsely throughout the year.
Karl Foester reed grass
Calamagrostis Acutiflora reed grass
Silberfeder miscanthus
Stipa capillata
The courtyard for the junior school students is more cozy and chambered.
The one for the middle and high school students is just as cozy, but also more open to quiet conversation over a cup of tea brought from the cafeteria.
architects
lighting designer
- The studio wishes to thank Vitaly Roskin, Alexei Kamyshov, Alexei Litvinov and Idris Gazdiev for their help with the project
