Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) will transform Novorossiysk – Russia’s largest shipping port – adding dramatic buildings, public spaces and amenities for the city’s residents and visitors to enjoy the Black Sea coastline.

Inspired, in part, by a time-lapse photograph – the Admiral Serebryakov Embankment masterplan features nine principal commercial and leisure buildings, with a total floor area of approximately 300,000sq m (3.2 million sq ft). Each structure, designed using parametric technology, is a separate evolution of a single form, which gradually changes in gradient across the site. A new fishing port, marina and piers will also be constructed.

According to ZHA: “The masterplan is interwoven with Novorossiysk’s urban fabric in a porous configuration that reconnects the city with its coast, inviting residents and visitors to traverse the site via public plazas, gardens and parks.

“By restricting vehicular access, the design creates opportunities for outdoor leisure, sports and recreation in the city’s coastal subtropical climate throughout much of the year.”

The first phase, due to start in the second half of 2019, will see the addition of facilities for civic, cultural and corporate events as well as a hotel; signalling the restoration of the city’s waterfront on Tsemes Bay as a vibrant public space for residents and visitors.

ZHA are collaborating on the project with local architecture studio Pride TPO. More than 40 teams from 13 countries took part in a design competition for the project. The jury included local and national architects, urban planners and economists together with representatives of the Novorossiysk administrative region.

Connecting Russia with the Mediterranean, Atlantic Ocean and Suez Canal, the city is the third busiest shipping port in Europe by turnover.