A wooden gate with frames looks out along an ecological path
Designed by CUBE+ Creative Collective, Propylaea ‘Protivo Stoyanie’ (‘Counter-Standing’) is a wooden landscape structure located along the Galich Zaōzerye eco-trail of Russia Kostroma region. Completed in 2025 as part of the Summer Drevolution’25 architectural workshop, the project marks the entrance to an open-air architectural park, while transforming a transit route into a space for orientation, rest and observation.
Located on the boundary between forest and field at one of the highest points on the site, the structure acts as an entrance marker, projection device and spatial transition between two contrasting landscapes. Its title, “Protivo Stoyanie” (“Resisted”), refers to the two identical elements facing each other, the dialogue between architecture and nature and the relationship between contemporary design and the historical context of the area.
The installation consists of two wooden structures placed opposite each other. Approaching from the forest, visitors pass through a series of information boards and viewfinders that frame specific landmarks within the surrounding architectural park. On the field side, built-in benches provide a place to pause with views of the wider landscape. Together, these elements direct attention to individual destinations while framing panoramic views across the site.
all images courtesy of CUBE+ Creative Collective
a wooden structure designed to age with the forest landscape
A defining feature of the project from CUBE+ Creative Collective is the reinterpretation of the regional ornament. The vertical wooden surfaces incorporate a contemporary version of a carved motif traditionally found on historic wooden frames in Galich, known locally as the “frog’s leg”. Rather than acting as decoration, the pattern creates a connection between the new intervention and the architectural heritage, craft traditions and visual identity of the area.
The propylaea were made under the constraints of the Summer Drevolution’25 workshop, including a limited construction period, a limited supply of wood, and a design process closely linked to manual construction. The timber was intentionally left untreated, without oil or varnish, allowing the material to naturally weather over time from exposure to rain, snow, wind and sunlight.
Framing views, organizing movement along the path and referencing local cultural traditions, Counter-Standing functions as both an intervention in the landscape and a wayfinding element. The project creates a recognizable entrance to the architectural park, while interpreting the landscape, route and historic ornament of the site through a contemporary architectural language.
detail of the carved wooden ornament, developed from a historical motif of Galich’s frame
the bench and wooden frame create a place for rest, observation and contemplation
viewfinders are built into the structure to connect the propylaea to distant objects in the surrounding park
