Zira Island

Bjarke Ingels, Founding Partner of BIG, Copenhagen :

  What we propose for Zira Zero Island is an architectural landscape based on the natural landscape of Azerbaijan. This new architecture not only recreates the iconic silhouettes of the seven peaks, but more importantly creates an autonomous ecosystem where the flow of air, water, heat and energy are channeled in almost natural ways. A mountain creates biotopes and eco-niches, it channels water and stores heat, it provides viewpoints and valleys, access and shelter. The Seven Peaks of Azerbaijan are not only metaphors, but actual living models of the mountainous ecosystems of Azerbaijan.


  Each of the Seven Peaks house a residential development derived from the geometry of a famous mountain in Azerbaijan. Individually each mountain becomes a principle for mixing private and public functions. Together the mountains form an organic skyline merging with the natural topography of the island. A dense vibrant urban community connected to a series of private resort villages by a central public valley and surrounding beaches. A continuous public trekking path connects the mountains and invites visitors to scale the top of all seven peaks. In addition to the Seven Peaks the Master Plan also includes 300 private villas that take advantage of their setting with panoramic views out over the Caspian Sea.

What is really impressive about this scheme is not the aesthetics, or even the architectural design of these structures, it is the concept behind it all. Without a solid conceptual base for design ideas can go off at a tangent and veer away from the true intended spirit of the project. This project has mountains at its roots, everything from structure and form, to an ecosystem of renewables. A very well presented animation, the renders and flythroughs provide the wow-factor but the graphic simplicity of the informant sections shows complex ideas clearly. Please let this be built!