Pocket Mountain

RUDN University

Project idea

Pocket Mountain is a model of the city of the future, which is based on the formula of "space compression" into a multivariate unit.

The authors of the project propose to rethink the idea of developing the city into the periphery, directing the Mountain upwards and inwards. This approach creates an all-absorbing space filled with all possible units.

The mountain acts as a beacon. Its size and vertical shape reinforce the interest in the site as a tourist center. Like a magnet, the Mountain attracts not only many different functions but also new citizens.

The structure consists of clusters that are formed from cubic transformable blocks - hollow and filled. The blocks are in turn subdivided by function into: social, environmental, cultural and sports. In this way, the project can satisfy any intention and the space becomes multifaceted and increases the activity of the neighborhood. The entire Pocket Mountain is permeated by a variable route transportation network. It is an independent unit of the structure and combines routes: climbing, hiking, skiing, ropeways, zip-lines.

Water tourist routes on the Volga River pass through the city of Cheboksary. At the top of the artificial mountain is a lighthouse, the light of which attracts crowds of tourists like moths. And the structure itself acts as an entrance gate like the Colossus of Rhodes.

In addition to urban and tourist functions, the "mountaineers" can also interact with other living organisms and get acquainted with the natural wealth. Hollow blocks can be filled with vegetation, bird spaces, and other habitats for living organisms. Each level of Pocket Mountain features numerous green spaces and walking trails that allow people to get back to their roots

Project description

The Pocket Mountain is a model of cohesive development of the pocket of the Volga River. The project is conceived as the basis of a dynamic urban environment and integrated mixed and year-round use programmes.

PORT
- The function of the cargo and tourist ports is left behind but hidden at the foot of the Mountain, where there are "sorting" mazes for vessels;
- Shipbuilding manufactures: places where it is possible to repair vessels if necessary.

TRANSPORT NETWORK
- Transport network unites all the spaces of the Pocket Mountain, providing quick access inside and on the surface of the structure, and creates variability of routes.
- Types of routes: rock-climbing surfaces, hiking trails, ski slopes, cable cars, zip-lines.

CULTURE AND SPORT
- Museum of Russian Waters: a place of education, focusing on the importance of water arteries in people’s lives;
- Library: a space that configures discoveries in different spheres;
- Food court and shopping lines: they are the embodiment of the concept "from farm to table", promoting sustainable development, ensure the independent existence of the structure;
- Camping and hotel: living spaces to relax and to feel unity with nature;
- Sports centers: starting points for pedestrian and ski routes, where you can rent the necessary equipment.

SCIENCE
- Research centre of water and microorganisms: for continuous improvement of the water purification system and electrical support of the structure;
- School of Chuvash mythology: contributes to the immersion of tourists in the history of the area and its people;
- Educational institutions: places for public lectures and seminars, allowing to ensure the intellectual growth of citizens and tourists.

NATURE
- Biosphere reserves: include picturesque botanical and herbal gardens, natural spaces for animals;
- Bird spaces: they are evenly distributed throughout the structure (in larger numbers on the upper levels) near the vegetation covering the Mountain. They are home to local and migratory species of birds;
- River basin: an ecosystem at the foot of a Mountain that creates public zones of activity and promotes biodiversity;
- Algae farm: water purification and electrical system;
- Fish farm: growing and protecting fish in open water for river biodiversity;
- Fishing villages and fishing areas: rod-and-reel fishing methods used to protect river habitats;
- Vertical farms: sustainable farming to provide natural products to citizens;
- Natural spaces are the embodiment of the sustainable vision of our project. They allow humans to interact regularly with nature and learn from it.

ENERGY INSIDE STRUCTURE AND WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEM:
- To provide additional energy to the structure:
- Cyber-bacterium: electrogenic bacteria break down wastewater into electricity and purified water;
- Algae farm: 1 hectare of electrogenic algae can provide energy to the whole village.

LIGHTHOUSE
- For navigational aid;
- Inside is a meteorological observatory and a planetarium;
- Peak point for panoramic views of the city and the Volga River, as well as observations of the night sky.

Technical information

The Pocket Mountain is a model of cohesive development of the pocket of the Volga River. The project is conceived as the basis of a dynamic urban environment and integrated mixed and year-round use programmes.

PORT
- The function of the cargo and tourist ports is left behind but hidden at the foot of the Mountain, where there are "sorting" mazes for vessels;
- Shipbuilding manufactures: places where it is possible to repair vessels if necessary.

TRANSPORT NETWORK
- Transport network unites all the spaces of the Pocket Mountain, providing quick access inside and on the surface of the structure, and creates variability of routes.
- Types of routes: rock-climbing surfaces, hiking trails, ski slopes, cable cars, zip-lines.

CULTURE AND SPORT
- Museum of Russian Waters: a place of education, focusing on the importance of water arteries in people’s lives;
- Library: a space that configures discoveries in different spheres;
- Food court and shopping lines: they are the embodiment of the concept "from farm to table", promoting sustainable development, ensure the independent existence of the structure;
- Camping and hotel: living spaces to relax and to feel unity with nature;
- Sports centers: starting points for pedestrian and ski routes, where you can rent the necessary equipment.

SCIENCE
- Research centre of water and microorganisms: for continuous improvement of the water purification system and electrical support of the structure;
- School of Chuvash mythology: contributes to the immersion of tourists in the history of the area and its people;
- Educational institutions: places for public lectures and seminars, allowing to ensure the intellectual growth of citizens and tourists.

NATURE
- Biosphere reserves: include picturesque botanical and herbal gardens, natural spaces for animals;
- Bird spaces: they are evenly distributed throughout the structure (in larger numbers on the upper levels) near the vegetation covering the Mountain. They are home to local and migratory species of birds;
- River basin: an ecosystem at the foot of a Mountain that creates public zones of activity and promotes biodiversity;
- Algae farm: water purification and electrical system;
- Fish farm: growing and protecting fish in open water for river biodiversity;
- Fishing villages and fishing areas: rod-and-reel fishing methods used to protect river habitats;
- Vertical farms: sustainable farming to provide natural products to citizens;
- Natural spaces are the embodiment of the sustainable vision of our project. They allow humans to interact regularly with nature and learn from it.

ENERGY INSIDE STRUCTURE AND WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEM:
- To provide additional energy to the structure:
- Cyber-bacterium: electrogenic bacteria break down wastewater into electricity and purified water;
- Algae farm: 1 hectare of electrogenic algae can provide energy to the whole village.

LIGHTHOUSE
- For navigational aid;
- Inside is a meteorological observatory and a planetarium;
- Peak point for panoramic views of the city and the Volga River, as well as observations of the night sky.

Created in: