Rich in recreational potential and historical heritage, the urban settlement of Siversky urban settlement has positioned its future development around the creation of a tourism cluster. The first step in shaping a new identity was the transformation of its central area — the primary arrival point for visitors and the core of local leisure and business activity.

Establishing a competitive new destination required a comprehensive approach. The work on the central territories therefore integrated coordinated public space improvements, engagement with local businesses, a unified design code, wayfinding systems, and the creation of distinctive architectural elements that define the settlement’s new development direction.

Siversky urban settlement is located in Leningrad Oblast, about an hour’s drive from Saint Petersburg via the federal highway. The settlement is also served by a suburban railway station, connected to the northern capital by the high-speed Lastochka train.

The Oredezh River flows through the area, known for its distinctive red sandstone banks formed by Devonian deposits, which shape the unique natural landscape of the settlement.

The Devonian is a geological period of the Paleozoic Era, spanning approximately from 408 to 360 million years ago.
 

The main streets of Siversky urban settlement, together with the railway line, form a triangular structure. This area concentrates the settlement’s key points of attraction and urban infrastructure.

Every day, it brings together residents of Siversky, neighboring settlements, and residents of Saint Petersburg who arrive during the summer season to enjoy the local nature at their country houses. 

The travel time from Baltiysky Railway Station in Saint Petersburg to Siverskaya Station is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Following an analysis of the area, we asked residents how they envision the future of the center. Through participatory design sessions and online surveys, key issues and community needs were identified. Together with the findings of the research, these insights defined the direction and core principles of the concept. 

CONCEPT  

Development of the Tourism Potential of Siversky 

The concept is based on the key elements of the settlement’s rich natural environment. The spatial solutions, visual identity, and color palette reflect the Oredezh River, the dense coniferous forests once celebrated by the Peredvizhniki artists, and the site’s most distinctive feature — the red riverbanks formed by Devonian deposits. 

Spatial Typologies and Design Principles 

The redevelopment of the central area of Siversky urban settlement can only be implemented in phases within the constraints of existing funding. Under such an approach, it must be considered that the work will span several years and involve different designers and administrators.

To maintain a coherent overall structure, the masterplan establishes a set of design principles tailored to each specific spatial typology. Within the central triangular area, six distinct urban environment scenarios have been identified.

Landscaping 

Plant species were also selected for the central areas based on their resilience to urban conditions, as well as their natural suitability to the local landscape and climate. 

Unique Small Architectural Forms 

To visually define the central areas, strengthen the territorial brand, and communicate the identity of Siversky urban settlement to visitors, a dedicated series of small architectural forms was developed. These elements reinterpret the fractured geometry of the red banks of the Oredezh River, translating the distinctive landscape feature into a cohesive design language for the public realm. 

Facade Design Guidelines 

Схема этапности реализации концепции

The first stage of the masterplan implementation was the reconstruction of the  market square. This comprehensive approach enabled the local administration to structure its development process and systematically attract funding, both through federal programs and in coordination with local businesses.

At present, the second stage has been completed — the pedestrian section along Vokzalnaya Street — and an application has been prepared for the third phase of the masterplan implementation. 

Preliminary Site Planning Scheme 

Masterplan Booklet Layout 

Total Area: 68,650 m²
Stage: Completed
Year: 2020

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