Grozny�s Hussein bin Talal Park, designed by Strelka KB in collaboration with Oslo- and New York-based firm Sn�hetta and Strelka Architects, was a finalist for the Gulf Sustainability and CSR Awards, one of the most prestigious honors in the Middle East. The international jury recognized Strelka KB�s work in Best Community Development, acknowledging the company�s efforts to engage Grozny�s community and design a world-class public space for the city�s unique local context.
Strelka KB�s chief innovation in the Russian context was to spearhead local community involvement in the design process. Though such participation in spatial design is an established practice in the West, the experience was new to post-Soviet territory. Strelka KB studied the needs and interests of all population groups regarding elements from park landscaping to comprehensive territorial development strategies using groundbreaking digital anthropology methods, and brought locals into the decision-making process.
�First, we conducted a deep study of park usage, incorporating elements such as naturally-occurring footpaths into the final planning structure of the park and honoring local traditions by introducing characteristic ethnic designs into park structures. We also conducted classic in-person research with locals: for example, city dwellers expressed a need for sports equipment, workout areas and a running track � all of which were included in the final design � and separate meetings with school representatives resulted in a �classroom� space in the park and a hardscape element with water,� Daria Paramonova, CEO of Strelka Architects, part of Strelka KB, explained during her presentation at the award ceremony.
�Sustainability is a key focus in Sn�hetta�s projects, not merely in terms of environment, but also in the form of social sustainability,� says Robert Greenwood, Partner and Managing Director in Sn�hetta. �The goal of the Hussein bin Talal Park project was to create a generous space that is accessible and open to everyone, regardless of age, social status, gender or creed. We are always striving to push boundaries and to design public spaces that benefit society at large,� added project architect Anne Camilla A. Auestad from Sn�hetta.
Hussein bin Talal Park is part of the Future Cities program, launched by the Russian Ministry of Construction Industry, Housing and Utilities Sector and DOM.RF, an integrated housing development institution.