A step beyond the horizon

Context

The city of Beloretsk is the start point to long distance trails to South Ural. Many natural reserves are located around the city such as ski resorts, remarkable groves, mountain trails, and rivers  that go through the region. Beloretsk is also one of the most important centers for metallurgy in the South Ural; three metallurgy plants are operating in the town.

Concept

The project of renovation of the park had the following objectives: to unite different parts of the town, to provide spaces for inspiration to explore the regional natural reserves around the city, and to open Beloretsk culture and science for everyone. Routes encompass public areas with educational, cultural and sports functions, as well as the main outdoor event space of the city.

The route of Impressions

The route of Impressions goes from South-West to North-East, uniting Upper and Lower parts of the town and opening access to Beloretsk lake shores  and panorama of the town. Platforms for connection with nature and inspiration appear at a viewing point offering panoramic views.

The Metal Ribbon Staircase is an outdoor staircase built in 2021 which combines a climbing spot and the  viewing point at the top of a 2 m height rock. It provides a new connection between the lower and upper part of the Beloretsk city park in the South Ural designed by Orchestra Design Studio.

We choose corten and metal to create a «monolith effect» contrasting with the intricacy of geological lines and the wide color palette of the rocks. The staircase acts as a «ribbon» which dynamically envelops the climbing rock, providing different viewpoints along the way. The use of metal is also a symbolic link with the ferrous metallurgy industry of the town; a symbiotic and sometimes conflicting relation between nature and industry.

In the evening, a low light of the metal ribbon staircase can be seen through thin vertical openings and from the bottom, whilst providing comfortable lighting inside.  A few outdoor light projectors are delicately illuminating the big climbing rock. This low light evening scenario corresponds well to the natural character of the forest, where the rock is located.

Lake Embankment

Along the lake shore, a wooden boardwalk was created with places for sitting and relaxing.  A nice view to mountains and lake opens up from here.

The route of the Beloretsk region explorers

In the forest area of the park, we have created a circular route which storytells the region nature through unique educational installations and special sport elements integrated in the forest. The path was co- designed with students of the Beloretsk Tourism Center. Students explored the area and were the first to see prototypes of sports elements, testing its difficulty levels for different ages.

The sports objects  help to develop agility and endurance, in link with natural  features of the South Ural region. In addition, the path is equipped with a rope railing designed  for visually impaired people, a strong local community. Those public spaces have become not only a platform for sport and promenade, but also a place of inspiration and ethical connection between people and nature.