KAZAN ZOO
Client: Invest City, Government of Kazan
Location: Kazan, Russia
Type: Zoo, Retail Mall
GFA: 90,000 m², Site 40 ha
Status: Concept
Inspired by the designation of the Kazan Citadel as a UNESCO World Heritage site and the forthcoming celebration of Kazan’s 200th anniversary, the city’s government has initiated a series of visionary projects aimed at revitalising the city centre. This ambitious endeavour spans 40 hectares across three adjacent sites, focusing on a masterplan that will transform the urban landscape by integrating the Kazan Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
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The current zoo will be relocated to a greenfield site across a lake, setting a serene, natural habitat away from the city’s core. A signature bridge, inspired by the form of the “Strikaza” (dragonfly), will serve as both a symbolic and functional link between the zoo and the city. This tubular structure not only acts as a connection but also features a winter garden on the retail side, showcasing a historically significant collection of subtropical plants and culminating in an impressive tropical house at the zoo’s entrance.
Designed in collaboration with the Zoological Society of London, the new zoo masterfully addresses Kazan’s harsh winter climate. Warm-climate species will be centered around a tropical house, offering a year-round indoor experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the zoo even during the coldest months.
The development’s retail component forms the primary entrance to the zoo on the ground floor, featuring 80,000 square meters of shopping space, including a food hall on the third floor. This fusion of retail and leisure is designed to enhance the visitor experience while ensuring the long-term financial viability of the project.
This masterplan embodies a forward-thinking, culturally attuned approach to urban renewal, seamlessly blending nature, landmark architecture, and contemporary retail, while honouring Kazan’s historical legacy and future ambitions.
