ecopolis is an integrated, diverse and circular city concept for the sakhalin region in russia

new trade hub and eco-city proposal for sakhalin, russia

berlin-based architecture firm TSPA (thomas stellmach planning and architecture) introduces ‘ecopolis’, an integrated diverse and circular city model for the sakhalin region, in russia. taking advantage of the area’s strategic location, its relevance due to climate change, and its progressively important role in the global economy, the architects have partnered with wowhaus, nomura research institute, and the scientific research institute of ecology and sustainable management of natural resources to develop a proposal for a new trade hub and eco-city, providing residence for 35,000 inhabitants. the project ensures economic sustainability while staying carbon neutral through the integration of circular systems and green energy, at the highest standards of living.

the central park of ecopolis

all images courtesy of TSPA and wowhaus

a city that grows alongside the local topography

through this proposal, TSPA seeks to generate a city that integrates harmoniously with the surrounding social, spatial, and economic context, tapping into the culture of the ocean through the proximity to the port and an active waterfront. ‘we imagine a city for the people who live it, with vibrant public spaces and innovative architectures, embracing diverse urban typologies, social groups, and public functions. a city that takes advantage of the rich natural resources surrounding it while respecting them; turns natural threats into values and virtuous circular systems to foster a prosperous and sustainable economy.’

the architects intend to expand the local port of korsakov, turning it into a global hub of maritime transit, providing new economic and commercial opportunities for the region. to ensure the simultaneous sustainable development of ecopolis and the future port, their proposal focuses on the spatial integration of ecopolis into the existing urban fabric, with the eco-city following the topographical and natural features of the territory, developing on top of the hills, away from the steep slopes of the rivers. in addition, its porous and transparent boundaries, welcome the surrounding forests into the urban fabric, while biodiversity corridors cross the city and complement the built environment with green public spaces. ‘we propose a compact city that minimizes soil consumption and maximizes the areas dedicated to nature, including productive forests, recreational parks, and agriculture fields,’ the TSPA team explains.

central park

DIVERSITY STRATEGY involving science, culture and business

to form a vibrant city that embraces heterogeneous urban spaces, multicultural society, and diverse public functions, the ecopolis concept introduces three main urban centers: science, culture, and business. each of them presents unique urban typologies, architectures, and functions. with its laboratories and distributed research campus, sakhalin tech takes shape as an innovative research and industrial park for urban technologies, operating at the regional and national scale. it integrates institutes, residential buildings, and production facilities to combine the research center with high-quality living spaces.

at the heart of ecopolis stands the cultural center, a dense neighborhood provided with vibrant public spaces and cultural facilities such as the public university and the community center. high- density multifunctional buildings integrate commercial services and residential functions and intensify the city’s urban character. the business center develops along the coast, close to the new cargo port. it provides the residential neighborhoods of the ecopolis with access to the beach and activates the waterfront with workshops and small enterprises.

ocean museum

focusing on circularity

currently, flows of raw materials (oil, gas, natural resources) and manufactured products (food and fisheries) cross the sakhalin island and are channeled through the port of korsakov. ecopolis has the opportunity to capture and reuse these flows. ‘we propose to convert the island economy, currently based on non-renewable energy sources, into a value production chain through minimizing transportation of natural resources and maximizing waste upcycling; to make more sustainable use of the row and processed resources while fostering local economies.’ TSPA mentions.

in ecopolis, the existing production flows are connected to turn outputs into inputs of other processes. a hybrid system of distributed facilities scattered in the city is established to collect and upcycle inorganic waste produced by the neighboring city of korsakov and the port. this strategy is combined with a centralized waste processing facility located on the north side of the area where organic waste is heated and converted into electricity. part of the output energy flows back to the city and it partially feeds the production sites on the north side of the project area, namely the wood-based materials manufacturing plant, the agroindustry park, and the wastewater treatment plant. these facilities supply the city with construction materials, food, and clean water, reducing imported goods’ environmental and economic externalities.

sakhalin tech university

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mobility integration

diverse city

circularity concept

waste, energy, goods

nature integration

diverse city

principles of the new forming city

project info:

name: ecopolis – concept for a new city in the sakhalin region
architects: TSPA (thomas stellmach planning and architecture)
in collaboration with: wowhaus, nomura research institute (NRI), the scientific research institute of ecology and sustainable management of natural resources 
project team: thomas stellmach, filippo imberti, isabell enssle, yuan-jung wang, aurelija matulevičiūtė, anastasia kuznetsova, andrea fantin

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom