[ Context ]

A seasonal landscape proposal exploring native planting and accessible circulation through a constrained urban plot. The design balances ecological intent with spatial clarity, creating three distinct garden rooms around a central gathering surface.

[ Research ]

Field studies of regional vegetation and soil conditions informed a planting palette that requires minimal irrigation and provides habitat continuity. Sun-path analysis defined the placement of seating areas and the density of canopy cover.

[ Design Development ]

Iterative spatial models tested sight lines, path widths and seasonal colour shifts. The final plan resolves public-to-private transition through a change in paving texture rather than fencing.

[ Materials ]

Native grasses, reclaimed granite, compacted gravel, untreated pine. All proposed species are verified against local hardiness zones and maintenance capacity.

[ Project Notes ]

Developed as a diploma study in collaboration with the university botany department for species selection. Irrigation calculations based on historical rainfall data.

[ Context ]

An interior intervention for a temporary gallery examining the relationship between wall, light and the moving body. The project treats the exhibition architecture as a set of adjustable instruments rather than fixed rooms.

[ Research ]

Analysis of daylight behaviour and visitor circulation patterns in existing white-cube spaces. Time-lapse observation revealed under-used corners and glare zones near south-facing openings.

[ Design Development ]

A movable partition system mounted on an overhead rail allows curators to reconfigure wall length and angle within hours. Model studies at 1:50 scale verified sight lines and structural balance.

[ Materials ]

Gypsum board, anodised aluminium track, dimmable LED spots, textile scrim. Floor finish retained as existing polished concrete to reduce material waste.

[ Project Notes ]

Proposal stage. Site measurements based on published drawings and one site visit. Lighting calculations performed in Dialux; results rounded for narrative clarity.

[ Context ]

A strategic environmental study for a northern nature reserve focusing on visitor infrastructure that minimises ground disturbance. The project argues that access and preservation are not mutually exclusive if the intervention is light enough.

[ Research ]

Mapping of sensitive terrain, migration paths and snow-load zones. Historical aerial photography was used to identify stable ground and seasonal water flow. The resulting map layers were simplified into a single go-no-go overlay.

[ Design Development ]

Elevated walkway concept with modular observation points. Pile spacing was determined by frost-depth charts and root-protection radius of the dominant pine species. The walkway width was kept to 1.2 m to discourage running and group gathering.

[ Materials ]

Glue-laminated timber, galvanised steel piles, open grating. Timber species selected for dimensional stability in high humidity and resistance to rot without chemical treatment.

[ Project Notes ]

Developed during a research placement. Climate data sourced from public meteorological records. Structural assumptions reviewed informally by a practising engineer but not formally certified.

[ Approach ]

Every project begins with field observation and mapping. I record spatial behaviour, material ageing patterns and light conditions before proposing any form. The gap between what a site is and what it could become is where the design lives.

[ Tools ]

Rhino / Grasshopper for generative testing, Adobe Illustrator for typographic layouts, physical modelling at 1:50 and 1:20, and hand sketching for rapid iteration. I avoid rendering until the spatial logic is resolved.

[ Principles ]

Minimum viable intervention. Native or reclaimed materials wherever possible. Clear circulation as a narrative device. Every element must answer to climate, maintenance budget and human scale.

[ Essays ]

• Ground as Interface — On the political history of paving in post-Soviet public space. Published in Strelka Mag, 2024.
• Snow Load and Silence — A winter survey of abandoned recreational infrastructure in the Leningrad Oblast. Architektura, 2024.
• The Garden as Argument — Review of contemporary Russian landscape biennials. Project Russia, 2024.

[ Lectures ]

TERRAIN, NOT SURFACE — Lecture at HSE Art and Design School, December 2024.
ON WALKING — Workshop introduction at Strelka Institute, October 2024.

[ Email ]

hello@sofiapalushina.com

[ Social ]

Instagram — @sofiapalushina
Behance — behance.net/sofiapalushina

[ Work With Me ]

I am available for landscape and interior commissions, exhibition curation, spatial research and editorial illustration. Typical lead time is 4–6 weeks. For collaborations and press enquiries, use the email above.