First line of water. The edge between city and port
The ARQ masterplan. At the intersection of urban fabric and port waters, we have created a new typology of residential development — hybrid, open to the water. ARQ is a masterplan and architectural concept for a complex where every volume, every turn, and every apartment is designed with one goal in mind: to give residents the most direct and emotional connection to the water.
Program: residential, ground floor retail, community center, kindergarten, sport park
Area: 28 600 sq.m above ground
Status: masterplan, architectural concept
Size: 288 apartments, 1100 sq.m of retail, kindergarten 550 sq.m
Masterplan and Urban Strategy
We deliberately moved away from linear development. Each section is given a subtle rotation, which opens up the best view corridors and creates a rich, non-linear public space on the ground level. Instead of a conventional promenade, we designed a vibrant, multi-layered urban landscape with a system of green pocket parks, intimate terraces, and secluded lounging areas.
The Green Promenade became the main spatial spine of the project. In the transverse direction, it acts as a connecting bridge between the residential volumes and the water, providing a direct and comfortable descent to the marina. In the longitudinal direction, it unites all key public zones into a single continuous sequence: floating saunas, the private marina, green pocket parks, the main square, the sports park, and the floating pool. Thus, the promenade functions as the “backbone” of the entire complex — a pulsating artery of public life, fully open to the water along its entire length.
Architectural Typologies
The complex consists of three distinct typologies that together create a striking and memorable skyline:
River Villas — 8-storey villas closest to the water
Central Tower — a 14-storey dominant accent of the entire ensemble
Duo Towers — two terraced twin towers with cascading setbacks
This approach ensures direct water views from nearly all 288 apartments, regardless of their location or floor level. A wide range of apartment typologies — from compact studios to spacious family residences with large terraces — makes the project attractive for different lifestyles.
Generous outdoor spaces (terraces, deep balconies, and loggias) become an integral part of the façade, animating it while providing residents with genuine additional living space in the open air.
Architectural Concept and Materials
Despite the dynamic composition of the masterplan, we chose a calm and noble expression for the façades. A clear brick grid with subtle, almost imperceptible shifts in rhythm as the building rises creates a sense of unity and quiet strength.
The façades are clad in premium light ceramic tiles. By day they softly reflect the sky and water; by evening they glow with a warm light that accentuates the architecture. This restrained yet refined architectural language binds the entire complex together and establishes a strong urban code for the territory.
Infrastructure and Lifestyle
ARQ sets a new standard for waterfront living:
Private marina
Floating pool
Sports park with basketball and tennis courts overlooking the water
Green promenade
Kindergarten
Active ground floor with shops, cafés, and restaurants
ARQ is a new destination on the city map and a new quality of everyday life for active, discerning people who want to live by the water while remaining part of the urban environment.