The project is located in Central Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The site is situated within a primarily residential neighborhood to the East of the city center and accessed mainly from Asaka Street. It is bordered by a low density residential zone to the west and south, mid-rise residential apartment blocks to the north, and a natural riverbank to the east. Currently there is a vacant metal works factory that appears structurally sound and two utility structures on site, one of which needs to be maintained. The site enjoys near full spectrum of daylight exposure due to the lack of tall structures nearby. The project brief consists of a unique mixed use masterplan that consists of residential and commercial programs, common areas, landscape design, parking and increased exposure to the natural water features adjacent to the site. The proposed scheme consists of linear blocks arranged along the east-west axis in order to optimize southern daylight exposure and create an extended riverfront that reaches deep into the site. The linear blocks are placed on a perpendicular axis to the existing river, and the gaps between the buildings form canals and gardenscapes that can be utilized as common areas. The two blocks to the North are programmed as 10 15 story hotels or offices, while the remaining blocks are 4-6 story medium density residential units. The top floors are set back to allow for large balconies and let direct sunlight deep into the open spaces between the blocks. Primary vehicular and service access to the site is from the North, while the secondary entries to the West and South can be used for exclusive parking access for the residential units. Parking is located underground to create a large, pedestrian friendly landscape on street level. Every block has direct or close access to the waterfront via the canals and linear gardens, and the overall low height of the residential blocks ensure that each block gets ample daylight.

Team: Kerim Miskavi, Betül Ay, Emre Kale, Sena Basgül, Eda Gürhan