Revitalization of the lakeshore area

A new era of ecotourism: the all-season resort at Izumrudnoye lake

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The revitalization concept for the lakeside area of Izumrudnoe Lake in Kazan marks a new chapter in the city’s approach to leisure and eco-tourism.
 Located just 12 kilometers from the city center and adjacent to the already popular Lebyazhye Urban Forest Park, this project envisions a unique destination that blends comfort, aesthetic value, and environmental sensitivity.

The creation of a modern, all-season recreational complex within the forest park will help alleviate pressure on existing public spaces, while offering both residents and visitors a new opportunity to connect with nature. Surrounded by towering pines and scenic landscapes, this development promises a high-quality outdoor experience that supports sustainable growth and enhances the region’s appeal as a leisure destination.

Eco-park inspired by nature and tradition

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The vision for the new eco-park is deeply rooted in the region’s cultural heritage and thoughtfully integrated into its natural surroundings. The space is designed to offer a comfortable, engaging, and diverse recreational experience for families, young people, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

At the heart of the park’s design language lies a reinterpretation of traditional Tatar ornamental motifs, which emphasize the site’s unique identity. These patterns—drawn from the rhythms and forms of nature—are subtly embedded into building facades, landscape elements, and small architectural forms, creating a coherent and evocative visual environment.

The central emblem of the project is a stylized zoomorphic bird figure, symbolizing freedom, harmony with nature, and the spiritual renewal of the land. This iconic element not only anchors the visual identity of the park but also serves as an inspiring landmark for visitors of all ages.

Year-round comfort: eco-park with beaches, wake park and waterside glamping

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The eco-park is organized into a series of functional zones, carefully designed to accommodate all seasons and a wide range of recreational activities.

Summer and Active Recreation:

• Landscaped Beach: A comfortable sandy shoreline equipped with beach volleyball courts and all essential amenities for a safe and relaxing experience.
• Open-Air Pools: Heated pools with adjacent lounge areas, food courts, changing rooms, and shaded seating.
• Wake Park: Three cable tracks with a variety of trick features, gear rental, a sauna, and a floating hostel designed to host athletes and active visitors.
• Picnic Areas: Cozy BBQ pavilions thoughtfully integrated into the natural landscape, with convenient access to the water.

For Children and Adults:

• Inflatable Water Park: Vibrant floating modules offering fun and excitement for all ages, directly on the lake’s surface.
• Sliding Hill: A unique 150-meter-long attraction situated along a natural sandy slope, perfect for thrill-seekers.
• Petting Zoo: A themed area for safe and meaningful interaction with animals, creating an educational and emotional experience.

One of the key landscape elements is a scenic cycling and pedestrian route that forms a continuous loop around Izumrudnoe Lake. This pathway seamlessly connects the eco-park to the broader recreational system of the Lebyazhye Urban Forest Park. Designed with integrated lighting along its entire length, the route ensures safety and comfort for walking, running, and biking — day or night.

Year-Round Comfort:

• Glamping Village: Modern, comfortable modular cabins offering panoramic views of the surrounding forest and lake, ideal for year-round stays.
• Event Pavilion: A dedicated venue for private and corporate events, accommodating up to 300 guests in a scenic, secluded setting.
• Forest Restaurant: A stylish dining destination nestled among pine trees, with expansive views of the water, designed to serve up to 100 patrons.
• Cultural Event Lawn: An open-air stage and gathering space for concerts, festivals, and seasonal celebrations under the sky.

Floating Viewpoints

Among the most distinctive features of the project are a series of compact yet highly expressive art installations — “floating” observation towers —strategically placed across the park’s terrain. These small-scale structures invite visitors to step inside and peer through thoughtfully positioned viewing apertures, revealing unexpected and picture-perfect panoramas of the surrounding natural scenery.

Blending architecture, interaction, and art, these objects offer a playful yet poetic way to experience the environment — encouraging visitors to see nature from a new perspective and capture moments worth sharing.

The giant moon on the lake

At the heart of the park, resting on the calm surface of Izumrudnoe Lake, floats an enormous glowing installation in the shape of the Moon. During the day, this striking structure draws attention with its unexpected design and unusual setting. By night, it transforms into a mesmerizing spectacle—casting a soft, warm glow that bathes the landscape in an aura of wonder and serenity.

On special occasions, the Moon installation can detach from the lake and ascend into the sky as a glowing balloon, turning the park into the stage for an unforgettable performance. This captivating feature not only enhances the park’s identity but positions it as a new cultural and visual landmark for the city of Kazan.

Increasing destination attractiveness with ecological responsibility

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The creation of the eco-park on the shores of Izumrudnoe Lake represents a landmark initiative for the future of Kazan—one that prioritizes quality of life, strengthens the city’s appeal as a tourist destination, and promotes the values of ecological sustainability.

We believe this park will become a new point of attraction for both residents and visitors, seamlessly blending culture, nature, and contemporary technology. As a model for next-generation public spaces, it aims to set a new benchmark in thoughtful, sustainable, and inclusive urban development.