The Time Square residential complex is located in the ecologically clean Primorsky district of St. Petersburg, overlooking the Yuntolovsky Forest Park and the Gulf of Finland. 13 buildings of 13 floors visually form a dial, where each of the 12 houses symbolizes an hour, and the accent central building - the location of the intersection of the hands. From a bird's-eye view the ensemble is perceived as a large clock and reveals the theme of the passage of time. The project of the complex was developed by the architectural bureau KPLN.
“Time Square” quarter occupies an area of 24 902 sq.m.: 12 buildings were built along the perimeter of the site, and the central, 13th house, inside the complex was distinguished by contrasting finish.
The buildings along the longitudinal sides of the block have a complex, stepped shape. The two-storey volume formed between two residential towers houses a kindergarten for 100 children. The buildings are united by a stylobate, which houses arches leading to the courtyard and commercial premises with a total area of 1960 square meters.
“The symbol of the residential quarter - the clock as a metaphor of life itself - is revealed through architectural solutions, location of buildings, geometric shapes and landscaping. The original architectural image is created by the facade finishing of clinker tiles and plaster - a mix of deep graphite and calm gray shades.
Asymmetry in the location of windows adds expressiveness and dynamics to the appearance of the complex, and the proximity to the Yuntolovsky Nature Reserve and the Gulf of Finland makes the neighborhood even more attractive,” - says Sergey Nikeshkin, co-founder of the architectural bureau KPLN.
A distinctive feature of the comfort-class complex is the thoughtful privacy of apartments even on the lower floors: the window sill level of the first residential floor was raised to a height of 1.8 meters. This made it possible to reduce the viewability of the premises and to design double-light entrance groups in each building.
Beautification: symbols of the moon and the sun
The theme of the harmonious passage of time is continued by the landscaping of the external environment, which reflects three narratives: the change of time of day and seasons, and the theme of growing up. Two courtyards symbolizing the two luminaries, the sun and the moon, are intended to be places of attraction.
The main yard of the Sun is designed as a dial with rays-arrows, between which there are playgrounds and playground zones for children, teenagers and adults, symbolizing the connection of generations. Luna's courtyard is half of the sun - both visually and in its scale. Other areas are decorated with art objects depicting clocks.
The main concept is also highlighted in the principle of landscaping: plants have been selected with all-season decorativeness in mind. The green space will be aesthetically pleasing all year round; it is dominated by coniferous trees, the main one being the Christmas tree in the Sun courtyard square.
