Metropolia Residence, developed between 2018 and 2020 and completed in 2021 by MR Group, stands as a showcase of innovative design and natural beauty. This residential project by UTRO architectural studio seamlessly combines urban living with lush greenery. Tasked with revitalizing a post-industrial expanse, the UTRO team embarked on a mission to seamlessly blend nature and urban living.
Central to their design ethos was the integration of greenery into the development’s fabric. Embracing the seasonal shifts of Russian nature, the architects curated a diverse selection of flora, with birch emerging as a key feature. Its rapid growth and lush foliage provided a dynamic canvas that evolved with time.
Beyond its verdant landscapes, Metropolia Residence is a playground of boundless imagination. Collaborating with renowned Moscow artist Masha Somik, UTRO envisioned a space where children could explore, dream, and create. From whimsical figures inspired by nature to abstract sculptures reminiscent of rockets, every element of the playground was crafted to inspire wonder and delight.
“It’s good when spaces for children have a character that their imagination can latch onto, not necessarily a particular one. Kids build their worlds from it. They don’t need instructions on how to play,” says Olga Rokal, architect and partner at architectural studio UTRO. “We decided to involve an artist, who came up with the abstract picture and the architects transferred it into reality”, she added.
Indeed, the playground transcends conventional notions of play. Its undulating landscape offers myriad opportunities for exploration, with hills to climb, valleys to hide in, and pathways to traverse. As children frolic amidst the artfully designed structures, parents can unwind on shaded benches, basking in the harmony of nature and urbanity.
