APi Chekov Chekhof


APi Chekov Chekhof

MINDFULLNESS WORKATION

#APi is a creative residence in Chekhof, Russia. Located 60 km from the city center of Moscow. An area of 210 hectares accommodates an educational campus and a science-art park. First phase of the masterplan, the main residence, was designed by architectural bureau Meganom. Second phase was developed by Askar Ramazanov, he gave us the task to create a campus concept for work, leisure, sports and creative exchange in the natural setting of an experience art park. #APi is intended as a “workation” retreat - escape from hectic life in the city, anxiety to relax and be mindfull into untouched wilderness of nature.

 

Moscow is a huge metropolitan city, which never sleeps and is in a rush that keeps on going day in day out, 24/7. Metropolitans can get lost into the hectic stress of daily urban life that is stuck of patterns of work and competition. To counter this it is good to escape from the metropolitan once in a while. #APi Chekhov is the place to find yourself, get inspiration, having time, being by yourself, with others, being in nature, meeting inspiring new people, get lectures and have creative conversations.

WISER, HAPPIER,

HEALTHIER AND CLOSER 

In 150 ha of land we were able to identify 6 different landscape types: forest, meadows, lake, river valley, wetland, harvest fields and existing farm. The heart of the site is a newly built hotel with guest houses on the former site of the owners manor. The site here is scattered with birch forest. The existing nature inspired us to challenge the brief and fully explore the potentials of the site. A scenic route that inspires like the great European park gardens of the aristocrates. The concept groups these existing conditions of the site into four themed zones; park forest, meadow on te hill, wellness area and organic farm. Each zone offering different activities that would challenge the visitors of the park to become wiser, happier, healthier and closer to each other. The main park path passes through these areas and connects the main places of attraction in a natural organisation. The concept allowed us to explore the usage of the park throughout the year and offer activities for each season which will ensure that the park gives to most to its guests and will be used throughout the year.

WISER, HAPPIER,

HEALTHIER AND CLOSER 

In 150 ha of land we were able to identify 6 different landscape types: forest, meadows, lake, river valley, wetland, harvest fields and existing farm. The heart of the site is a newly built hotel with guest houses on the former site of the owners manor. The site here is scattered with birch forest. The existing nature inspired us to challenge the brief and fully explore the potentials of the site. A scenic route that inspires like the great European park gardens of the aristocrates. The concept groups these existing conditions of the site into four themed zones; park forest, meadow on te hill, wellness area and organic farm. Each zone offering different activities that would challenge the visitors of the park to become wiser, happier, healthier and closer to each other. The main park path passes through these areas and connects the main places of attraction in a natural organisation. The concept allowed us to explore the usage of the park throughout the year and offer activities for each season which will ensure that the park gives to most to its guests and will be used throughout the year.

PAVILIONS

The Chekhov APi is hidden in a forest and is not easy to find without having geo-location coordinates. An information pavilion with a terrace is situated at the entrance to the residence and provides shelter from the rain for newly arrived residents and acts as a bus stop between the past and the present, man-made and natural. The Info-pavilion designed by Archiproba Studios and the entrance area with an art-objects done by Askar Ramazanov in collaboration with scientists, media artists and makers.

 

Next to the pavilion lies the entrance courtyard turned into a Robotic Sculpture Garden by using multiple digital art-objects and installations. The entrance area immerses guests and residents into a special environment of this countryside place.

CREDITS

Client: Askar Ramazanov

Location: Chekhov, Russia

Size: 39 ha

Program: 51000 m2 (IT Park, Convention Centre, Residential)

Architect: Askar Ramazanov + Archiproba Studis, 

ATRIUM architectural studio

Landscape: LAP Landscape & Urban Design

Photo credits: Ilya Ivanov