A new observation deck overlooking Kola Bay has transformed a hillside in Murmansk into a contemporary public destination while drawing inspiration from the region’s maritime and industrial identity. Commissioned by the Murmansk Regional Government under the “Living in the North” program, the Kola Bay Lighthouse Viewpoint introduces a carefully integrated recreational space that combines timber craftsmanship, panoramic views, and ecological sensitivity.
Located just a five-minute walk from a nearby residential neighborhood, the project occupies a green hillside above Kola Bay. The structure is designed to become part of it, offering residents and visitors a place to experience the waterfront while preserving the site’s fragile Arctic environment.
A Contemporary Landmark Inspired by Murmansk’s Industrial Heritage
The observation deck takes its formal cues from the monumental cranes of Murmansk’s port and the lighthouses that line the Kola Bay coastline. These familiar industrial silhouettes have been reinterpreted into a contemporary timber structure that balances the precision of engineered geometry with the warmth and tactile quality of natural wood.
Positioned on elevated terrain, the pavilion functions as a visual landmark visible from across the bay. Its distinctive profile symbolizes the ongoing transformation of Murmansk’s public realm while creating a recognizable destination along the waterfront.
Timber Construction with Traditional Joinery
Wood is the defining architectural material of the project, shaping both its appearance and structural identity. The pavilion employs sophisticated timber joinery techniques that significantly reduce the need for metal fasteners, highlighting traditional craftsmanship while delivering a durable solution suited to northern climatic conditions.
The structural approach reinforces the project’s environmental ambitions by emphasizing renewable materials and minimizing unnecessary components without compromising performance in the region’s harsh weather.
Designed for Year-Round Public Use
The observation deck accommodates different forms of recreation throughout the changing seasons.
The lower level includes benches and an open terrace where visitors can enjoy the limited hours of northern sunlight. Above, the upper viewing platform opens expansive panoramic views across the waters of Kola Bay, creating an elevated vantage point over the surrounding landscape.
The project also incorporates a series of thoughtful amenities that improve the visitor experience. Among them is a small waiting tower designed specifically for pets, allowing owners to leave their animals while exploring the observation deck safely.
Protecting the Arctic Landscape
Environmental preservation played a central role in the design process. The surrounding landscape has been carefully organized to direct pedestrian movement along designated routes, reducing disturbance to the delicate Arctic mosses covering the hillside.
By concentrating visitor circulation, the project balances increased public use with long-term ecological protection.
A New Public Destination for Murmansk
The Kola Bay Lighthouse Viewpoint establishes a civic space where architecture, landscape, and local identity converge. Its elevated location, timber construction, and references to Murmansk’s maritime infrastructure create a contemporary landmark that reflects the region’s character while encouraging people to reconnect with the waterfront.
The project demonstrates how modest architectural interventions can enhance everyday public life through contextual design, sustainable construction, and careful stewardship of the surrounding environment.
Kola Bay Lighthouse Viewpoint Project Facts
Project: Kola Bay Lighthouse Viewpoint
Location: Kola Bay, Murmansk, Russia
Competition Date: 2025
Client: Murmansk Regional Government
Program: Living in the North
Lead Architect: Evgeny Makarenko
Architect: Alexey Ushakov
3D Visualization: Sergey Serov
Timber Structural Engineer: Oleg Lelyuk
Concrete Structural Engineer: Pavel Zhadinsky
Photography: Alexey Arushanyan, Alexey Malenchik, Tatiana Okuneva
