Architects envision pit stops for the infamous Trans-Siberian Railway

Participants in the Trans Siberian Pit Stops competition had one objective: To envision tourist centers to be built along the infamous Trans-Siberian Railway. As one of Bee Breeders' latest installments, the ideas competition sought designs that complement the history and identity of the iconic railway, but are also easily replicable and can withstand inclement weather. 

The jury evaluated the submissions based on their creativity and feasibility. In the end, three prize winners were selected, as well as a Student Award, a Green Award, and Honorable Mentions. The winning proposals that will be considered for construction will be situated at various locations along the railway network. Each tourist pit stop will provide handy information about the specific area it is located in.

Scroll down to see the top three entries.

1ST PRIZE: “Trans Siberian Retreat” by Omid Kamvari, Masoud Saeedian, Amir Armani Asl, Faraneh Ghahremani, Faramarz Ensafi. Company: Kamvari Architects

Jury comments: “First place winners project had it all. Its iconic in its design as well as being sustainable and rooted in the history of the railway. The winning project stood out for its unique combination of traditional forms of architecture and the dynamic nature of the railway. Studying local vernacular architecture, our first prize winners adopted a trusted and proven building form by lifting the building off the ground, this allowed for greater control of interior conditions by insulating from the winter cold as well as cooling during the summer period. The project implemented a traditional construction and form with a strong silhouette and strong geometry, making it a bold and recognisable landmark that wouldn’t be out of place along this historic railway route.”

2ND PRIZE: “Trans Siberian Pit Stops” by Jacopo Abbate, Martina Mitrovic

Jury comments: “The second place winners created a design with the serious potential of becoming a landmark, with its clear and coherent portrayal of woodfire hut. A single, circular pavilion, the project centred around a fireplace which provides light and heat to travellers. A fireplace is an archetype of social interactions, creating a comfortable space to rest, relax and commune with other travellers. The central fireplace also served a structural role as an intersecting point of its interior roof beam, creating an expressive addition to the interior. The nature of a large fireplace is inviting and welcoming, and its slight peculiarity gives it a unique and symbolic appearance that can be recognised immediately from every station along the Transsiberian railway route.”

3RD PRIZE: “Anamorphosis” by Alessandro Carrea, Djavan Cardona. Company: Godfathers

Jury comments: “The third place project, Anamorphosis, works to integrate itself within its surroundings with a mirrored facade. What made this design stand out to the jury panel is the dichotomy of its nature, its impressive design making it stand out while at the same time reflecting on the world around it. The exact same pavilion can be placed in Moscow, Kazan or Ulaanbaatar and have a completely different appearance as it is a reflection of its environment. Once travelers enter the pavilion, the interior design is such that their gaze is drawn up the walls to the horizon beyond, highlighting panoramic views that allow tourists to easily orientate themselves with the city.”

More project images in the gallery below.

All images and quoted text courtesy of Bee Breeders.