ZERNO is a concept of redevelopment of the old port elevator in Kazan into an IT hub. The project is called ZERNO (means – grain).

SA lab designed ZERNO project which offers to transform the territory of the port elevator in the city of Kazan into an IT hub. This approach is inspired by the structural features of the elevator, also taking into account today and even tomorrow needs.

According to the concept a new quarter instead of the irrelevant industrial zone can appear in Kazan and become the modern facade of the city. The total area of revitalization is 5.8 ha.

During the site research, architects tested different approaches and programming for the territory. Technical features of the elevator gave a tip on how to redevelop silos and create a step-by-step development strategy. Grain storage parameters are almost identical to the parameters needed for locating servers of a data-center. In the context of digitalization of the country data-centers will be a necessary part of the digital infrastructure.

The silos consist of monolithic and prefabricated parts. Monolithic part is transformed into a data-center with minimal interventions: adding floor slabs and technical openings in the lover part for cooling. The heated air from the servers is used for heating surrounding buildings of the area.

The roof is occupied with a public space for various events named “Cloud”.

In the prefabricated silos of the elevator SA lab offered to locate co-workings, office spaces for startups and transformer halls with various functions. There is also an opportunity to place on the roof a space for different events.

On the territory of the hub there are planned to be built: a hotel, apartments, two-levels embankment, a pier for small boats, a transport hub, a view restaurant and a park. New buildings designed in the area are laconic and neutral. Having different heights these buildings form multilayered silhouette from the river and a comfortable environment for future residents. Apartments are positioned on podiums with interconnected terraces.

As a result of redevelopment the depressive industrial zone can be transformed into a modern area, fully integrated into the urban landscape of Kazan. Here will appear a new multifunctional environment with housing, places for work, leisure and developing creative ideas. Such an  approach will let to design a sustainable, carbon free area, making it relevant to modern day needs and current climate emergency.

ZERNO is a kind of transit from an industrial society to a digital one. The industrial zone can turn into a catalyst for the development of creative industries and innovative start-ups in Kazan. In the long term period this part of the city will become the driver of the industry 4.0.