The Okhta Cape, Saint-Petersburg: urban archeological eco-park. Nature-based solutions for resilient, adaptable, and climate-responsible urban environments.

Abstract

In this master’s thesis, the study focuses on the investigation of nature-based design solutions for building resilient, adaptable, and climate-responsible urban environments in modern cities. It includes a design proposal for the new urban archeological eco-park, which can serve as a prototypic model of a rewilded urban area. To conduct research for a prototype, a plot located in the city centre of St. Petersburg, Russia - The Okhta Cape, was chosen. A unique combination of the plot’s features, including location, history, and archeological finds contribute to the study by giving it further comprehensive depth.

The theoretical framework of this study is defined by analysis of the area, context, users, and ecological restoration. Furthermore, the challenge of designing for the climate emergency is carefully scrutinized. The collected data are analysed consistently through the use of an in-depth content analysis method. The analysis involves the identification and categorization of stakeholders and their interests, in conjunction with the evaluation of threats and opportunities. It reveals that the area faces multiple errors of various origins. Industrial pollution, excessive anthropogenic pressure, rapid ecological degradation, and significant loss of natural habitats are among them, as well as the loss of identity and threat to the archeological legacy. Thus, the main challenge of the design is to find a balance between the interests of stakeholders and to suggest remedial actions, that can be successfully implemented in a dense and overpopulated urban area with limited room for immediate changes. The design programme is established with a focus on the area’s major issues specified in the analysis.

This master’s thesis contributes to the stakeholder and urban ecological restoration by defining comprehensive and holistic methods of the reintroduction of nature in the city. They are underpinned by the assistance of nature-driven processes resulting in the reconciliation of urban and natural and strengthening the resilience of both. A prototype promotes the idea of ecological restoration that implies the reduction of man-made structures and active management, relying primarily on nature’s regenerative power. It raises the issue of the necessity of addressing climate emergencies by employing a holistic design approach. The restorative measures integrated into a prototype are designed to provide far-reaching changes in urban green development. A prototype has the potential to be scaled and adapted to other urban areas facing similar environmental issues along with climate adaptation challenges.