This project’s main idea is to create a recreation zone which would link several residential quarters in an urban fringe community. The Leonejsky lake, encircled now by a new public space, made part of a grown over sand quarry quite recently. As a result of this transformation, its shores grew comfortable for strolls and relaxation, and the place itself merges natural territory patterns with features of a cozy city park.

It’s important to mention that all the works were held with minimal impact on the shoreline vegetation. The new illumination made it safe to stroll along the strand at night. The shores adjacent to tower blocks received a big wooden deck and a sandpit with playing components for children, together with a slide. The slope showing a wonderful picturesque view of the water surface obtained wooden benches in the form of inlaid retaining walls. The alley along the slope is lined with wooden gazeboes that give incredible views of the lake. The core of this project is a wooden platform which takes you to the middle of the lake where you can behold the stars and their reflection in the waters. This is both a lyrical reminiscence of the town’s name – Zvezdny in Russian means “of the stars, starred”, and of its location. It’s situated in the middle of woods, there is no visual pollution like in big cities, and the deep dark sky shows the smallest stars very clearly. Their reflection in the water creates a 3-D image of starred sky where YOU are the center, thus making the place a really unique experience.

Commissioned by The Ministry of landscape and public space development of Moscow region