Architecture Walking Tour

Moscow’s Monorail Transport System Revitalisation

Moscow’s Monorail Transport System Revitalisation. Wowhaus Bureau Directors of the bureau: Oleg Shapiro and Dmitry Likin Project curator: Irina Golovitskaya Chief project architect: Anastasia Izmakova Development team: Yanina Smagina, Zhanna Galut, Fyodor Naumov, Konstantin Andreyev, Tatyana Chernomashentseva, Daria Golubeva, Sofia Yestrina, Yekaterina Anikina. Consultants: Maxim Lyubavin, Konstantin Palivoda, Ilya Petrasov, Denis Romodin, Alexandra Boyarskaya, Dmitry Stepchkov, Vladimir Muravyev, Vadim Kokhtev. The Moscow Monorail is a 4.7 km long overground transport system that connects two branches of the Metro and passes through several districts of the capital. Built in 2003 it is currently operating in “excursion mode” (making one journey per half hour), and faces imminent closure due to its unprofitability, arising from the way it partly duplicates existing tram routes. All the monorail stations, depots and support structures will soon be rendered obsolete. WOWHAUS has thus proposed that, instead of dismantling, the system be reconstructed and filled with new functions, inscribing it into the life of the district and the city as a whole. The monorail is located in close proximity to the Agricultural Academy, a large park, a television centre, the Ostankino Tower, the VDNKh Exhibition Park, the Cosmos Hotel and the Cosmonautics Museum. In the proposed concept, the monorail connects areas that are physically close to, but otherwise isolated from each other, while becoming a zone for sporting activities without parallel in contemporary Moscow. The territory has a dual aspect – though it will remain a linear feature, the monorail is to be divided up into several distinct functional zones, each of which meets the needs of its local setting in as complete a manner as possible. The route begins with an orangery, located as close to the Academy as possible to encourage use of the feature by its students and teachers. Next there begins a zone for the popularisation of active leisure, with open-air sporting areas for all demographics, interactive installations that respond to movement, and further public orangeries acting as a link with the previous zone. The continuation of the elevated roadway will be used for a tram line and cycling, walking and jogging lanes. A transit zone will lead into a garden area, an amphitheatre with a panoramic view of the pond, stately home and church, as well as an outdoor viewing pool. Moving on from the pool, which should become a city-wide point of attraction in its own right, the visitor then enters a family recreation zone with playgrounds catering to different ages, cafés and a 'green tunnel'. The 'tunnel' leads into a zone with hanging gardens and an experimental orangery. The former monorail depot will house an independent theatrical venue, as well as the city transport museum, which is currently awaiting suitable premises. Alongside its existing collection, the museum will feature unique displays of components of the former monorail. The territory and infrastructure will thus acquire a new function and not be left in an abandoned and dangerous state. The local urban fabric will take on a new density and the city will gain several new points of attraction.

Palace of Water Sports Luzhniki

The main method, used by the authors of the Luzhniki Swimming Pool reconstruction project, is “Think as authors of a historical building”, which implies the reconstruction of the design method itself. Thus, the reconstruction is presented as a version of evolutionary development of the entire complex and the building. Designed and built in the 1950s as a part of Luzhniki Sports Complex, which also included Big and Small Sports Arenas, a half a century old open Swimming Pool has decayed and become morally obsolete. On top of that, the wide Luzhniki reconstruction before the Olympics of 1980 distorted the original town planning idea - the length of the Small Arena was increased then, and the symmetry, used as a base of the Sports Complex plan, was broken. Keeping the general style and certain parts of the building, authors of the project enlarge the building in length and height, adding extra volume on top. This allows for the bottom part to follow the shapes of the historical building - southern and northern walls with their authentic elements and colonnades are stretched, that makes it possible to reach the originally designed balance with the Small Sports Arena. Classic forms, followed by architects Alexander Vlasov and Igor Rozhin - designers of the historical Swimming Pool, got their development in the attic, decorated with an enlarged replica of former facade historical bas-reliefs. Original bas-reliefs were saved and moved inside to become a part of decoration for the new water sports palace. The lightness of the attic floor is reached thanks to a delicate ornamental structure, consisting of circles referring to olympic events. It was borrowed from spherical ceiling caissons of Electrozavodskaya subway station. One of its authors, Igor Rozhin, was also a co-author of the Swimming Pool in the 1950s. The same decorative approach was used in finishing of loggias walls with colonnades in the bottom layers of side facades. The increase in the volume allowed to not only locate three sports and fitness swimming pools, aqua park with nine water slides, sports and training rooms, SPA-zones for relaxation and food courts in the area of the open swimming pool, but also highlight its importance from the town planning perspective - now the building can be easily seen from such important spots as Metro Bridge and Sparrow Hills. The design and construction is based on the newest technologies in automation, water conditioning, and multimedia systems. The building is covered with a transformer rooftop. Two sections open in the opposite directions widewise, which gives an opportunity to the visitors of the swimming complex to enjoy the sun in the spring-summer season. The new building of the Swimming Pool maintains the basic features of the old one and, accordingly, stylistic unity with other sports buildings of Luzhniki Complex.

World Trade Centre in Moscow

The World Trade Centre (WTC) Moscow is one of the largest and oldest mixed-use business complexes in Russia and is situated in the centre of Moscow. The idea of building the WTC was born at the beginning of the 1970s, when a period of growth in the USSR’s foreign economic activity produced the need for a business centre accommodating representative offices for foreign companies. The WTC was built in 1980. In the coming years the WTC in Moscow will expand to include two new office buildings. The proposal by the architects provides for the erection of two blocks with all-glass asymmetrical façades in the form of large crystal facets. One of the buildings, 57 metres (12 storeys) high and with a floor area of 13,500 square metres, will overlook Mantulinskaya ulitsa. The other, of a complex sculptural shape, will be 200 metres (44 storeys) high and face Ulitsa 1905 goda and the square with the Hermes fountain. This skyscraper will have a floor area of 62,000 square metres. Its first few floors will contain public functions, including cafés and shops. Above them there will be offices. The top of the building will have a viewing platform and observatory. The skyscraper’s basement will contain a three-storey garage for 619 cars; an additional open-air car park will have 35 spaces for visitors. According to architects` approach, the buildings’ volumes and height were tailored to fit the overall arrangement, character, and façade line of the existing development on Krasnopresnenskaya naberezhnaya. Additionally, to better integrate the complex in the fabric of the city, it was decided to create a public promenade zone alongside the entire building; this will require the removal of the fences currently standing on this site and result in the formation of a new urban square.

ZilArt Park (Tufeleva Roshcha)

ZilArt Park (Tufeleva Roshcha) is 10 hectares of well-maintained public space in one of Moscow's central districts. Where once stood old factory workshops of the Likhachev plant (ZiL) – a giant Soviet automobile factory – a green forest with its original landscape architecture has appeared, thanks to the redevelopment process overseen by the LSR Group. The park design was developed as ordered by the New York Bureau MELK! under the guidance of designer and urbanist – Jerry Van Eyck. The central art object of the park is a 1.3-km long pergola structure. The rusty corten and sectional structure are a reminder of the factory conveyor. The pergola consists of concession stands and restrooms, which have been seamlessly integrated into the landscape. The pergola is buried in the fresh green of the new park as a rusty chain of an old machine. About 4000 mature trees and shrubs were planted here along with 97 flower gardens with herbs and perennial flowers. For outdoor activities the park is equipped with playgrounds for volleyball, basketball, tennis, a sports field with exercise equipment and a playground of 1500 sq. meters. Also in the park there is an artificial pond of 3100 sq. m.

Badaevskiy Brewery, Redevelopment

A Redevelopment Project of an Old Factory Area in the Heart of Moscow The aim of the Badaevskiy Brewery project is to redevelop the six-hectares old factory area, between the Moscow River and the vector to Minsk, and to transform this famous but largely abandoned and run down site into a vibrant destination point in central Moscow. The factory grounds and river embankment are to be opened to the city; the old industrial structures are to be assessed, with more than 30’000 m² of them restored and brought back to life through new internal organization and uses; and more than 100’000 m² of new residential, office and retail program is to be added in order to rejuvenate the site. Short History of the Site In 1875 the famous brewery was founded as the Trehgorniy Factory, located just outside of the Moscow city walls, four kilometres from the Kremlin. The factory grew typically for a manufacturing complex of that time, characterized by a brick industrial architecture, with a monumental representative front and a disordered agglomeration of support buildings growing organically at the rear towards the river. In the 1950s, the Kutuzovskiy Prospekt cut through the old random city blocks and, lined up with the uniform neoclassical 12 storey residential buildings, formed the straight western vector of the now prominent radial scheme of Moscow. At the turn of the 21st century the construction, across the river, of Moscow City introduced a radically different high-rise scale and materiality to the site and to the whole of Moscow. Constraints and Conditions of the Site Since the closure of the brewery in the 2000s, the buildings fell into ruin, and despite sporadic uses, remained largely abandoned. Today, from the three original main factory buildings, built between 1875 and 1912, only two buildings remain. The current urban and heritage regulations, have given cultural heritage status to the ensemble and require preservation of the original brick factory structures. The remaining part of the site is open for new development, within a height restriction of 75 metres. The Given as an Inspiration for the New The found structures and the history of the site inform and inspire all our urbanistic and architectural interventions: the elevation of the new building, as well as the spatial continuity of the park and gardens beneath. We found it extraordinary and especially appealing to use the opportunity to push such a radically different urbanistic approach in a city which has traditionally preferred tabula rasa concepts, in the Soviet as well as the post-Soviet periods.. Renovation and Revitalization of Historic Structures: Buildings 1, 2 and 3 Through the clearing of the unimportant and unprotected structures, the site opens, for the first time, to the city and the neighbourhood.. Building 1, a pair of historical structures of 20’000 m² will host a food market, fashion store, co-working space with conference centre and a large gym. Building 2, the lost heart of the complex, is built anew in solid brick to its original design, following historical documents. The 3’000 m² building will retain a large grand hall space and bring back some of the original functions of the complex with a small local brewery. Building 3 is a 15’000 m² complex agglomeration of separate parts on 8 floors. New functions, such as a traditional Banya, arts centre, childcare facilities and a maze of apartments are opportunistically jig-sawed together. A City Block Lifted up in the Air The new building on the site could be described as a piece of city lifted up in the air. This "Horizontal Skyscraper" is the result of a research phase where we tested and tried out all kinds of building typologies along the riverfront, but whatever we tried felt wrong. The greatest problem was that any new structure on the ground would have divided the site into privileged and less privileged areas, into front and back sides, and the amount of public green would have been reduced to a minimum. It was obvious that we started to lift up in the air the piece that we had tested on the ground before, although we were hesitant to come up with a building typology which is so remindful of the "Wolkenbügel", one of the most heroic icons of the Russian Avant-garde. But here it didn't look heroic or monumental. The building does not fly; it rather sits on many slender stilts like an elevated lodge in the forest. The stilts connect the building with the ground and the park like trunks of trees. The single operation of elevating the new building 35 metres up in the air brings three key advantages for the project: first, the new green area, an urban park, emerges in the vacated land under the hovering structures, between the heritage buildings and the river front; second, despite the substantial densification of the site, the historical buildings retain their direct connection to the river and their clear visibility and access to the city; and third, all the flats in the hovering structure are top floors with prime views to the Brewery, Kutuzovskiy Prospekt, Ukraina Hotel, the State Duma, Moscow City, and beyond to greater Moscow. Public Green and a Place for All The greatest benefit of the Badaevskiy Brewery development is that it creates new urban spaces accessible for all: along the Moscow River it opens up a new and highly attractive stretch of promenade and boulevard with restaurants, bars and shops. Between that river promenade and Kutuzovskiy Prospekt, a new landscape is implemented that maximises the green areas with transitions between public, semi-public and private zones, and gradual shifts from lawn areas, to low greenery, to high forest-like planting. The entire plot is kept exclusively pedestrian and permeable to provide easy and direct public access from the river promenade to the microcosm of activities in the new Badaevskiy Brewery project and opening, for the first time through this site, new links between Kutuzovskiy Prospekt and the Moscow River. Herzog & de Meuron, 2018.

Endless bookstore

We approached the space concept solutions and choice of materials for the new bookshop in the Bakhmetevsky Bus Garage designed by Konstantin Melnikov a nuanced way. The laconic volume and geometric shapes in the interior allowed us to focus on the key thing – on the content. The open in-store display concept, like in southern cities where everything is always in plain sight, accentuates the pure function of the store and helps to attract even the most undetermined customers. A 18-meter copper counter is central in the interior. This metal enriches the visual aesthetics and blends well with industrial bricks and concrete. The counter seamlessly separates the shop from the exhibition, it is convenient to demonstrate books full face, and not from their backs, and it has plenty of volume for storage inside. We transformed the tabletop into an interactive display-window, so one can showcase different items in its numerous cells and modules using endless scenarios for their presentation. The armchairs created by famous Jewish designer Ron Arad make the interior even more original and cozy. We also built a compact children’s area, so it will be interesting for young visitors of the Museum to spend time among books as well. The high 5-meter bookshelves in garage gates recreate the image of a classic library, are in tune with strict geometry of window-frames and brickwork and unambiguously signal about the space function – as soon as visitors enter the museum, they immediately, without any navigation hints, see where the bookshop is located.

Garage for car collection

The Garage’s essence lies in its experimental approach – constructing a complex architectural object from a holistic conceptual idea that simultaneously evokes automotive design metaphors, respects the natural site constraints by curving around trees, and fulfills diverse functional requirements. It serves as an elegant venue where the owner can exhibit a prized car collection, engage in sports activities, and host business meetings — all within a seamless spatial experience. Situated on a picturesque plot surrounded by tall trees, the project integrates sensitively into its natural environment. Formally, its concept departs from traditional and stereotypical architectural elements such as floor, wall, and roof, instead merging them into a single ribbon that defines functional zones through folding and twisting. The fluid geometry of the garage reflects the dynamic aesthetics of automotive design, expressing movement and elegance through its curvilinear form. A Möbius-inspired ribbon organizes the space: moving left to right along the main façade, it forms a closed volume with entrance and rear terraces. The ribbon then ascends diagonally, guiding circulation via a staircase to the rooftop outdoor workout zone. Beneath it, a gallery-like space for the cars is created, with direct access from the driveway. Large glazed façades with ultra-thin profiles on the north and south sides dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior. The building's interior extends underground, housing recreational and sports facilities, with natural light introduced through carefully positioned ground-level windows. Materiality of a seamless white Corian articulates design metaphor, while wood and copper finishes add warmth and tactile contrast.

Academic business-center

A building dissolving in space is a response of the architects to their search for the meaning of the architecture as art, that has always been aimed at the implementation of the world order and universe ideas of its time. The way the building is expressing itself is based not on its mass, but on its dematerialization: a lens shape of the main dimensions allowed to create an ephemeral plane - a peculiar screen where you can see a face image of the famous Russian scientist Vladimir Vernadskiy show up and disappear while you are moving along the avenue. Back at the beginning of the 20th century Vernadskiy was able to foresee the discovery of new energies and the development of informational society (the avenue where the complex is located, was named after him). The new construction, located in the academic district of Moscow and surrounded by beautiful pieces of Soviet modernist architecture, becomes its high-rise dominant. Although, the chosen shape does not suppress the surrounding, but instead creates its new identity that goes along with its time. Moreover, “The Academician” starts a dialogue with the neighbouring building, a bright example of the functionalism of the 1980s, shaped as an elongated rectangle of the main dimensions with a massive rounded entrance. The 4-stories high rectangular stylobate, that serves as a base for 14-story lens, forms the street scale of the perception of the building. Thanks to big show-windows, the high ground floor is tightly connected with the city space. It will host stores, coffee-shops, and entry points of all functional areas. Vertical aluminum lamellae add lightness to the high-rise volume and fragmentary move onto the stylobate, visually connecting parts of the building. The portrait of the great scientist shows up on the facade as a result of the difference in the lamellae cuts, and can be easily seen by drivers and pedestrians from the opposite side of the avenue. The landscaping of the pedestrian side of the street along the main facade is also using the image of Vladimir Vernadskiy, his glasses in particular, that become an art-object and an element of the identity of this space, connected with the building itself.

Trend Island - THE BIG BANG OF CREATIVITY

THE BIG BANG OF CREATIVITY TREND ISLAND Department store Moscow (2018) AREA GBA: 4.000 M2 / GLA: 3.500 M2 In our opinion, Trend Island is a very significant project for the Russian and European markets. It is the first department store in Moscow, which represents a beauty zone, accessories for home and leisure, coffee shops, children’s zones and a lecture hall (where you can listen to lectures on style, beauty and architecture or organize your own workshops and seminars) in addition to a set of DEMOCRATIC clothing brands for adults and children and modern jewelry. Due to the qualities listed above, Trend Island allows young local brands to EXPRESS themselves and GROW almost the same as the mass market does. IT IS NOT JUST A DEPARTMENT STORE BUT THE PLATFORM FOR CREATIVITY AND COMMUNAL SPACE FOR YOUNG BRANDS TO DEBUT AND GROW UP. “A NEW PLANET” WAS BORN IN THE DESIGN AS A SYMBOL OF THE BEGINNING The first stage of this fashionable space, built in 2016, has already become a landmark project for Moscow city. In 2018 two halves together became an one big country which you do not want to leave. A customer will find here the atmosphere of relaxation, discreet and elegant life style, minimalistic design clothes of fashionable architectural cut, and products for young people, street-style and eco-design of affordable brands. As well as be able to listen to a lecture about fashion in the “amphitheater”, buy books, make hair and manicure, buy goods and clothes for children and leave their kids in special children’s areas during shopping time. There are coffee points and cafes. So visitors can stay on the island forever! THE ISLAND, THE COSMOS, THE ONE NEW WORLD OF NEW BRANDS at the moment of DEBUT, INAUGURATION, BEGINNING, LAUNCH We created a legend that the two parts of the “island“ are reflected each other but in the magic mirror . In this way, one of them is a real city with roads, hatches and a huge sun in the center, which rays shin in all directions. Attention is paid to young, dynamic, Russian and international fashion brands. The initiator of the project was inspired by the urban style of cities in Europe, Japan and the USA. The second one is the “ISLAND OF THE DAWN”. This is a symbol of the place where career of young brand is just started! The island is built with smooth lines and circles, it seems that it is tenderer and toy than real, but it still remains a city, even so a bit futuristic. There is a square in the center framed with AN ARCHED ROTUNDA AND THE NEW PLANET (shining ball painted by hands), which is hung over at the eternal moment of dawn, and the street-paths of self-leveling FLOORS ARE CURVED LIKE DARK RIVERS. The new phase of Trend Island has a large number of new women’s brands, so it was important to bring in the interior elements softness and smoothness of the lines. The soft, rounded shapes in the new space allowed to emphasize new emotions and details, including the design of the fitting room for example. The space is settled in soothing colors: soft pink, dusty lilac and delicate white (the chameleon material is poured with different shades of pink, gray, lilac). Rose gold is also used in the interior, creating a cozy and elegant atmosphere. The central art object was painted by hand in shades of dawn and there is a jewelry zone under it. The functionality of the space is achieved through well-chosen details and solutions: for example, massive columns became functional objects by circular rails around them. And due to the light mobile transforming catwalks, you any composition of ready-made total looks can be created anywhere in the store. Soft zones and furniture design helped to place accents. Particular attention is paid to the details of these lounge areas - they are decorated with furniture brought from vintage European shops and have completely different character - in the first part furniture of vintage style bars and taverns is used, and in the second - delicate items of girl’s boudoirs and living rooms are implemented.

Tessinsky, 1

“Tessinsky, 1” is a project to revive a former industrial area in the centre of Moscow by repurposing it into a residential area. In the last decades, the site's industrial core (a medical equipment factory) has been moved out of the city, leaving the area desolate for quite a while. This project is part of the final development stage of the area. There are valuable elements of late 19th century industrial buildings on the site, which are replicated and integrated into the new architecture. Other less valuable buildings and elements are demolished. The building is located at the intersection of B. Nikolovorobinsky and Tessinsky lanes and is a single complex of two different volumes, adjacent to each other at right angles, 3 and 8 stories respectively. Taking the place of a former block of 3 estates, the new complex actually reproduces that historical parcellation. Structurally, the complex consists of five sections. The main part is comprised of high quality residential apartments of varying sizes (starting with the second floor). Penthouses have access to individual terraces. In the three-story part, there is a gym on the first two floors. The first floor of the complex hosts the main entrance lobby as well as individual entrances to the residential units. Technical premises and the parking lot are located on the underground floors. In order to maintain the scale of this historical environment, the main part located along Tessinsky Lane is divided into two parts. The first represents at its base the replicated historic wall of the late 19th century, made of genuine Petersen brick. The second part is designed with the new architecture in mind using handmade plinth-shaped clinker bricks. The place of interaction between the historical and new part of the building is accentuated by a plastic fold, manifesting the area of the main entrance to the residential complex. In order to indicate the historical continuity, the new part of the building shows the cornice mark of the historic wall, which is supported by the sculptural plasticity of the brick rustication in the first three floors, gradually "dissolving" as you move further away from the point where the two themes interact. The upper part of the western facade overlooking the Bolshoy Nikolovorobinsky Lane, appearing to be the most prominent from afar, is lighter character, which is manifested in the spatial metal "grid" made of architectural bronze. At the back of the site is a landscaped residential courtyard, which can be accessed by walking through the central vestibule. Right in the center of the courtyard is a small pond with running water, which can be used in warm months.

Shopping center near «Teply stan» metro station

The complex is located on the south-western part of Moscow, on the intersection of Novoyasenevsky Prospekt and the Profsoyuznaya street. The first floor is adopted for commercial function, cafes and consumer services. All the administrative and technical spaces are placed on the second floor. The complicated shape of the plan is the result of technical restrictions of regulatory distances from engineering infrastructures: like vents, water main, exits from metro ets. The main entrance to the building is oriented to attract potential visitors that are going out of metropolitan station “Teply Stan”. The gate is marked with the large semicircular niche. The first floor has solid stain glass. Snow-white accordion shape structure is hanging over it. This structure is constructed of aluminium composite panels and makes dynamic perspective shape of canopy just over the main entrance. Essentially, the facade of the building is limited just by such laconic way. However, the architectural neutrality is compensated by the glow of billboards that are placed on the special reserved parts of the facade, in particular on the roof parapet. One more compensational technique is rehabilitation of nearby territory which is paid special attention by the architects.

Vladislav

Located on the outskirts of Moscow, Russia, this new residence draws strong inspiration from the forest backdrop surrounding the site. The building’s positioning on the site is not only informed by framing beautiful views of the mature trees but considers the long shadows that they cast later on in the afternoon, especially in winter. Conceptually, the design was driven by two primary factors. Namely, the client’s passion for music and high-end audio systems and an old aerial image of the site before it was developed, showing how the space was seemingly carved out for habitation in the manner of a “forest clearing”. Based on this and the study of various types of musical instrument cases, this country villa was conceptualised as “a case for an instrument that does not exist yet”. Formally, the villa consists of a prominent rectangular slab supported by a series of “legs”, which have been carved out to allow for delicate timber volumes to emerge from it and define a mysterious profile. Additionally, these cut-outs let natural light infiltrate the internal spaces. The “legs” have been strategically placed and rotated to direct the views and thread the landscape into and through the plan, making the building permeable yet clearly defined. The building’s layout is split into four quadrants, comprising the entrance area expressed with a dynamic wall element, splitting the service area with the living and leisure components of the home. The careful selection of materials further accentuates the building’s horizontality and the distinction between private and public spaces. Uniquely, the appointment of an acoustic specialist will ensure that the music room’s material treatment creates optimal listening conditions. This relatively modest country villa aims to space out the client’s passion whilst engaging with its forest surroundings through proportion, materiality and dynamic structure.

Bolshevik Apartments

Loft style business class apartments is the real history that residents of the complex can come in touch with. We have made a thorough study of the past and the present of the Bolshevik factory, and we offer a project that accentuates authentic details through modern materials and approaches. The industrial look of the buildings to be renovated under the project draws attention, as it did more than hundred years ago; it fits in the current structure of the complex and offers comfortable modern apartments at the very heart of the capital city. Brick, metal, and glass are the main materials. Foresides of the building No. 9 were reconstructured carefully and remained almost unchanged. The framework is decorated with restored brickwork with historical tracery embodied in various materials and structures. The staircase became one of the most striking elements of the framework design. The design of the staircase was inspired by current technological and positional connections of the complex, which are not necessary in the modern function. Stair flights behind the glass foreside are well-lit during nighttime hours. Industrial simplicity and cleanness are accentuated by a pattern, just as they are in the whole complex—metal stair railings are decorated with this pattern. The historical pattern has formed the local identity of the complex and is used in its interior and exterior. Its motives show up in the perforation of metal panels and in the boarding of entrance canopies, which gleam in the evening hours. The concept of apartments at the Bolshevik factory was created for forward-thinking urban residents, who respect their own time and convenience—elaborate space allows creating snug apartments at the very heart of cultural and business life. Anything and everything that a modern metropolis resident needs will be provided for on a single territory—business area, recreational zones and services, modern dwelling. There is a yard with all modern conveniences in the complex, too. A green oasis and a small playground point out the Bolshevik’s dwelling function, add coziness to the space, and increase the level of tranquility a residential compound, and especially a space that fuses personal and business aspects, needs. Dwellers can have a rest outdoors on well-furnished landscaped roofs of the residential compound, too.

Residential complex Symbol

The large-scale residential complex "Symbol" occupies the territory of the former plant "Serp&Molot" in Moscow. The master plan and design code for the renovation of the industrial zone was developed as a result of an international competition, and one bureau was entrusted with their implementation in the form of an architectural and landscape solutions. On a 6-hectare site in the center of the eastern part of the triangle plot, the master plan specified the location of houses on two sides of the main boulevard, as well as their types and variable number of storeys: two high-rise (21-27 floors) and three middle-rise ones - 5-17 floors. At the same time, the architecture and the layout of sections of different heights were significantly redrawn and reoriented by the architects so as to achieve more expressive angles and silhouettes from different points of the city and the complex. Three buildings turned out to be U-shaped, asymmetrical in plan (the sides of the letter "P" in the buildings have different lengths). Two more are turned at different angles, like sections of a “snake” constructor. An important criterion for choosing finishing materials was the ability to follow streamlined shapes, which aluminum composite panels and small-sized elements made of decorative concrete do well. The shades of the mixtures of the latter are carefully chosen in order to enrich the perception and create contrast in textures. The dramatic curvature that had to be developed according to the design code proved to be a difficult condition in terms of the prescribed apartmentography. Along with panoramic penthouses offering breathtaking views, including the Kremlin, these buildings have many standard apartments and small studios that meet market demands. It took a lot of time to lay out them in non-standard geometry, while the workshop had only 4 months to develop the concept and stage "P". We managed to make large-format windows in all apartments. The lower floors, as it should be for a lively urban environment, are mainly given over to retail and social infrastructure. For the interiors of the halls, the architects also proposed an organic design built on smooth lines.

Water Tower Redevelopment Concept

By IND architects project Shcherbinka water tower will be transformed into the cultural center By the project of the Moscow architectural studio IND architects the water tower in Shcherbinka Novaya Moskva city district will be transformed into the modern cultural center. The IND architects project has been chosen as a result of the open competition organized by Erzia International Art Foundation with the support of the Moscow Architecture and Urban Development Committee and the Zaryadye Park administration. In the transformed water tower will be exhibitions, lectures, seminars held. The tower will become the art conductor, the place for communication and meetings. The project is designed to set a new cultural code of the developing territory. Social and cultural functions will become dominating in the altered object, and in order to carry out this transformation from engineering construction to museum complex, the IND architects project assumes a few changes. The second floor of the tower was expanded with a multifunctional complex. A light, soaring volume doesn't conflict with the tower form, doesn't burden the general image, but supplements it. Architects from IND architects have lifted the hall by one floor to create porosity of space, to emphasize contrast of the structure with surrounding buildings. We include the historical object in life of the modern city, filling it with some new functions. The authentic shape of the engineering construction will be completely saved and complemented with new elements. We have emphasized the building's advantages, using the contrast with modern elements. The dominant of the complex is a strict and harmonious volume of the tower, pointing up. The complex area will be expanded which is necessary measure for realization of new functions. However, this expansion is going to be made in most delicate way. A soaring volume keeps tower's proportions, makes its base opened. This space can be transformed for various tasks, for example, it's possible to give lectures and seminars here, conferences and presentations, master classes, drawing and dancing lessons. Also this place suits for co-working, small movie theater. An opaque material - u-glass - that covers the volume, allows to see silhouettes, movement from the outside. It might interest some strangers on the street and attract new visitors, this way starts the building a dialogue with environment. In the hall a perfect space for exhibiting of art works is created, and thanks to diffused light the paint won't get faded. The main exhibition will settle down in the tower shaft. Specialists from IND architects integrated an elevator in the complex, and due to the fact that there's no enough space inside, the decision was made to bring it outside. Inside the tower there is an architectural semicircular stairway. To look at the permanent exhibition, the group of people shall go up by the elevator, and comes back using the stairs, one floor after another getting acquainted with the exhibition. On the first floor of the tower a small cafe will be located. Height of the tower has been increased a little at the expense of the additional floor lined, just as the soaring volume on the second floor, with u-glass. Such solution harmonizes the complex proportions, making its architectural image complete. Metaphorically speaking, this small volume reflects the new direction of the tower, reminding the beacon as a reference point in Shcherbinka art and cultural life. We have thought through not only an architectural part of the project, but also its cultural content, so that the tower has been filled with life every day, with various activities. We believe that after the era of remote communication we will start to communicate in the real world with the real people again. Neighborliness, common interests and hobbies — the architecture purpose is to promote these values at people.

Solntsevo Metro station

In 2014 our project was chosen through an international open call held by Strelka KB upon request of Moscomarchitecture. The concept is site specific and based on two main subjects: Sun light, its architectural comprehension and a characteristic slope roof of a summer cottage “dacha”. Name of the site inspired the Sun motif and the slope roof motif came from the history of the area, that in 1920s and 30s was one of the first places designated for workers settlements. Perforation of the entrance pavilions creates an effect of sunbeams penetrating the roof, in the underground halls we use same effect but generated by reflected artificial light instead of daylight. The outdoor pavilions are assembled from a number of white concrete panels, on the outside concrete is textured with vertical grooves that are repeating the lines of joints between panels. The notches are visible in order to highlight the rhythm of the facade.

Perfect Home

For the first time “Perfect Home” was on display 2-5 April 2019 at the largest building and interiors trade show in Russia which attracted 77,338 visitors, 1200 exhibitors and over 240 market leading speakers from the global architecture, design and construction industry. The Perfect Home was a unique pop up architecture display that showcased ten “perfect” rooms and products in a home designed for a family of four. The display was created by a leading architect and the top ten Russian interior designers. At 430 m2 and 6m high construction was built using a rich and diverse palette of on trend materials and the latest products. The architect comments that “The main idea was to contrast the traditional functional divisions of a house with various architectural techniques. The central hub is the living room which unites the whole house - this is combined with dividing the house into the personal spaces of bedrooms and bathrooms and the roof pergolas were used to create the sensation of open space”. The Perfect Home project took seven months from idea to reality and ten days to construct onsite at MosBuild before the show opened. The Perfect Home became the #1 attraction for thousands of industry professionals from around the world and was not only a unique display but was used to host industry workshops, social and press events. Perfect Home is now a truly market leading, innovative display – a display that the show and the industry had not seen before.

Gorky Park - The main entrance to the main park of Moscow

Moscow, January 2018 Blank Architects idea thesis for Gorky Park Entrance concept. Gorky Park is a unique space in map of Metropolis of Moscow. The creative people of Moscow have in Gorky Park a space to show the best of them. Be social, friendly, family, curious and interested. It is a ground of positive thoughts and memories. Therefore it is much loved and make Moscow proud. How to reflect all of this emotional grandness at the entrance square? What has happened to the functional zoning of whole park complex? The connection of the entire river embankment zones is very powerful, obviously clearly open plan designed axis’s are preferable for people to walk. Can we balance the people traffic and give them more opportunities for straight line walking experience? There is so much happening within the Park and the other complexes. Are we aware of all of the opportunities inside or we like following known paths without getting into unknown parts? Is the potential of the park being used to its full? Maybe some spaces are overcrowded while others are missing visitors? Do we feel then that the Muzeon and Gorky Park are one? These questions stand at the core of our key idea point’s formation. 1. Axis of Art – Muzeon – Garage Feelings – purpose, interest/curiosity, inspiration We shall bring composition axis connecting Garage with Tretyakovksaya Gallery via center of Gorky Park Arch and entrance square. We shall change the under sadovye passage to create a very accessible walk way. The Axis of Art is connecting Galleries and contains many artistic objects on it. The A Axis will give a straight line walk way with Art theme as option to river embankment walkway. It is all year active, the winter ice rings are not entering it. 2. Very comprehensive and user friendly information hub. Feelings – comfort, reliable, helpful, easy to use We shall turn the connection between the Park and Muzeon into a safe and comfortable, high tech and readable information hub. We want to offer to visitors to Moscow and to the Park to start their day from planning the day in the information hub. Given all choice of what you can do ahead of day, which expositions to visit, which restaurants have best menu options, where to go with children or crowd densities – you can secure the best experience possible. 3. Fair ground of art Feelings – nostalgia, pride, beginning of good experience The front of Arch square we see as point of pride and history and symbol of Gorky Park. We suggest enriching the seasonal art expositions, with introduction of circular movable platform. Once without large scale art presence, the platform will turn, bringing the feeling of merry-go-round fair atmosphere. The square is a fair ground, braced to respect the monumental view on the Arch. In the night time the movable circular platform will be a stage for use of the holograms techniques / media sculptures. We will bring the carousel 4. Landscape element Feelings – understandable, seeing the arch as the main element, underlining its importance, guiding, protecting The landscape will include topping, greenery and sit elements. All of them are following key directions and axis’s and emphasizing already exisitng architectural historical elements. The greenery is guiding us toward park and is bringing the feeling of park experience to the square. We are differentiating the main passages and access zones for high people flow and curve out wait zones and more quiet areas. As result we will bring people to Gorky Park entrance square because of: 1. We have the best point to get information on how to spend day in the Gorky Park, Muzeon and Moscow. You should start your journey from here. 2. We are part of larger scale Axis of Art walkway. TheTretyakovskaya – Garage axis walk line will have art theme and functions as option to river views. 3. We will give good meet point/ wait point. The square will become part of park experience by quality landscape. 4. We will have new iconic point – nostalgy of fair grounds still vivid in Moscow people memories in form of modern art movable element.

International Medicine Cluster in Skolkovo, phase 1

Irina Winer-Usmanova Rhythmic Gymnastics Center in the Luzhniki Complex

The roof of the complex reminds of a gymnastics ribbon. The wavelike form starts, at its peak, with a vertical wall on the east and gradually fades on the west. Crest of the wave resides right above the heart of the complex, the arena, and subsides above training halls. Although we came upon this dramatic image, connected to a quick movement, right at the beginning of the concept development, it took us some time to find the right shape, that became a powerful and memorable symbol of the complex. The main challenge for us was to make a reality of our very ambitious idea of a bold curved shape, and in a very short time. The most eye-catching part of the building, its roof, became also the most demanding. Besides the right geometry of the ribbon we had to find the right materials, capable of fulfilling the task. In our view, the strongest point of the complex – its multifunctionality. Arena for competitions, both on the national, as well as on the international level, training halls, medical unit, hostel for sportsmen, administration offices, amenity spaces – all that is gathered under the same roof in a simple cubic volume. This clean shape allowed us to locate all necessary functions on a rather compact land plot. In its turn, the competition arena can be transformed in a multifunctional hall for all kinds of events. The project won the “BIM 2016” Russian competition in the “BIM project: sports facilities” category, and it demonstrates the successful use of the OPEN BIM approach in its design. The exchange of data between software platforms was carried out using the open IFC format.

Klenovyi Bulvar Subway Station Concept

Elchin Safarli 'When I return, be at home' 'The sky is a great equalizer. From the subsurface of earth chaos all you have to do is look up and remember: life doesn't give any obligations, it has no debts, but it always keeps on running. This truth will become clear as soon as you eliminate the hustle in your head. I fell in love with white sky wanderers when I was six years old: on my way to school I saw the sunbeam working through a huge cumulus cloud. That's something I could easily lie on — I thought. It reminded me of my shaken-up goose down pillow — lush and snow-white, in a crackling pillowcase'. The Klenovyi Bulvar station project is full of metaphors. First of all, it's located near the Kolomenskoye Park the territory with a large number of historical buildings. The temple metaphor is formed tacitly, and analysis of separate architectural elements such as arches leads us to the origin of the subway which was built in order to become a symbol of reflection of that epoch and also to such concept as palaces for the people. During the construction process of the subway temple architecture elements were often used, architects see those arches as a metaphor of clouds and sky over the head, that's why the project concept suggests to treat the project with a dream and poetry, to rethink the subway in whole as immersion under the ground and to imagine that we're plunging into clouds giving us the feeling of easiness, lightness and remind us of this historical place solemnity.

Kommunarka Hospital with Maternity Center

The new Hospital with Maternity Center is situated in the southwest of the City of Moscow, in the newly established District of New Moscow. This multifield medical complex planned to provide with healthcare the new large city areal and to work as a clinic with educational and scientific profiles. The site of 13,5 ha occupies the part of the Kommunarka settlement where intensive development is currently taking place. The principal planning idea supports the functional zoning of the complex as a cluster of large quarters, which adopt the grid of the future residential neighborhoods. The quarters, each of which represent a separate functional block, line the main longitudinal axis from the North to the South, where the common for the overall complex functions are concentrated. This scheme allows optimizing of the transport service, which is crucial task for a medical complex, as well as organizing recreational areas inside or between some of the blocks. The eastern part of the complex is occupied by the Maternity Center, Pediatric Hospital and the Infectious Diseases Unit; the western part – by the In-Patient Treatment Unit and the Unit of morbid anatomy. The group of the axial placed servicing units begins with the dominating Ambulatory Unit, continues with the oblong Unit of Therapy and Diagnostic, where also some public facilities are located, and the Auxiliary Unit. To the south of the site there is the Emergency Unit designed as separate building. The functional integrity of the complex is provided by the numerous connection galleries over ground. The project also takes into consideration the requirement of visual isolation of the morbid anatomy block with a funeral zone. This task was solved both by planning solutions and by the landscape design means. The different purposes of the blocks are expressed through their individual façade concepts, though, united by the common architectural language. This promotes the better orientation of the hospital visitors. The project proposes the special system of visual navigation, both external, which helps the moving through the spatially complex cluster of buildings, and internal, to provide orientation inside a certain unit. According to it, each functional block is labeled with a specific colour, presenting equally on the street navigation boards as well as in the interior of the matching unit.

Pavilion for artistic presentations

This square pavilion is intended to be installed temporarily on public spaces, including next to major museums or theatres, for the purpose of realizing short-term / seasonal art projects. With a floor area of 130 square meters, the pavilion was made for the State Tretyakov Gallery in order to demonstrate ProYavlenie, a mediaproject which reproduces all the stages of the creation of ‘Christ’s Appearance Before the People’, the famous picture by Aleksandr Ivanov. The installation consists of a canvas which has been made to precisely the size of Ivanov’s picture (540 x 570 cm), on which all Ivanov’s sketches and preparatory studies are projected in succession, illustrating the painstaking process of artistic quest. The pavilion’s structure is a frame which can be assembled and taken apart; the frame has a special fabric surface which imitates wet concrete. This approach has made it possible, on the one hand, to create a volume which is extremely simple to install and use and on the other to metaphorically underline its role as a ‘canvas’. The pavilion’s principal façade is divided horizontally into three equal segments, of which the two side segments face inside the volume, forming diagonal entrance apertures. These elements, together with the circular skylight in the roof, enrich the pavilion’s space with the play of chiaroscuro and at the same time create a more intimate atmosphere for immersion in the world of the work of art.

Living in Nature installation

The exhibition entitled ‘LIVING IN NATURE’ on the subject of architecture and landscape in modern Finland, with projects by 10 leading Finnish architecture firms was presented last year at Moscow Architecture Biennale. The architecture of Finland has its roots in nature both literally and metaphorically. Natural simplicity, ecological soundness, and sustainability – everything that is for some countries an unrealizable dream and for others the result of persistent work – has in the case of Finland always been, and will always be, the reality in which this country’s architecture develops. Works by Finnish architects are inseparable from the natural environment; an understanding of human activity as a constituent part of the life of nature is the basis of the entire design process, regardless of the scale and purpose of a building. This is perfectly demonstrated by the ten projects which have been selected for the exhibition: for all the variety of types and scales of structure (whether we are talking about a small structure such as a temporary installation, a large mixed-use complex, or an urban-planning project), the focus of attention is always human beings and their relationship with their environment, and the planning and structural solutions chosen are based on emphasizing in this dialogue if not the incontrovertible primacy of nature, then its voice as an equal participant. The installation consists of crisscrossing blocks of wood whose illuminated ends exhibit photographs of the chosen projects. This concept is a metaphorical reference to Finland’s tradition of building from wood, a tradition which is actively developing today. For visitor it has also become a wonderful public space to seat and have a rest.

Mixed-use office building on 2-aya Brestskaya

To be built next to the square in front of Belorussky Railway Station in Moscow, this project involves creating not just a modern building with fine views and convenient terraces which may be greened with vegetation during the summer, but also an important urban landmark for the entire district. The main block divides into two parts – a 3-storey plinth and a 12-storey office block. The plinth underlines the existing historical development, with which, being of the same scale, it does not conflict but makes a harmonious fit. The upper volume goes well with the nearby modern business centers and creates a second tier of development on Belorusskaya ploshchad, setting a new urban scale. The building’s upper volume likewise divides into blocks consisting of several storeys each; the blocks create a feeling of commensurability with the historical development, as if the latter has been reproduced vertically. The building’s volume has been glazed to the fullest possible extent, producing a feeling of lightness, with additional dynamism coming from the projecting decorative elements and the terraces at the sides of the building. The way in which the blocks of storeys have been stepped in relation to one another has produced open terraces enjoying panoramic views over the center of Moscow and the square in front of Belorussky Railway Station. The building’s main entrance is in the center of the lot, from the direction of 2-aya Brestskaya ulitsa; it leads into a three-storey atrium forming the compositional core of the plinth. There is also an entrance from the direction of 1-aya Brestskaya ulitsa; this creates a through passage – containing retail functions – that links the two parallel streets.

Multi-functional office complex on Novodanilovskaya naberezhnaya

The planned complex is the latest stage in the development of the territory of the Danilovskaya Manufactory, a project which is one of the most successful instances of revitalization of an old industrial zone in Russia. Here a multifunctional cluster of residential, work, and public spaces has been created in place of manufacturing plant which has been moved to outside the city centre. The new building stands right next to the embankment of the River Moskva and has been given forms which are emphatically recognizable: the sharp facets on the façade are made from brick in the same shades of terracotta as the rest of the complex and are an eloquent symbol of this district’s dynamic future. The building’s ‘jagged’ outline reflects a design concept based on the image of a speeding comet. This effect is attained by breaking up the building’s façade into pointed segments which are symmetrically positioned in relation to the building’s main axis and at an angle of 75 degrees to one another. This outline gives the building a dynamic feel while also ensuring the maximum amount of office space with the best views. In order to reinforce the impression of a dynamic and fast-moving comet, the office storeys are raised 10 metres above the ground and project 10 metres in front of the first two storeys. The chosen finishing materials – clinker brick and glass – are a tribute to the site’s industrial past and complement the existing look of Novodanilovskaya naberezhnaya, while also asserting this building’s claim to be a new landmark. The ground floor of the building contains a lobby, a waiting area, and a café – but also several offices with their own entrances, a beauty parlour, a bank branch, and a mini-supermarket. The second floor has a canteen, a cycle studio, and a cross-fit centre, as well as the office of the building’s management company. The 3rd to 17th floors contain office spaces of different configurations and sizes. The top, 18th, floor has a restaurant with a terrace facing the river. There is a separate lift to take diners straight from the lobby to the 18th floor. The project also provides for a two-level underground car park with an entrance from the western façade. The landscaping of the building’s grounds develops the theme set by the architectural design for the building, symbolically reproducing the outline of the building’s projecting part in the paving. The shape of this outline develops gradually towards the river, its pattern delineated by the different directions in which the brickwork has been laid. The clinker brick is continued in the clinker tiles used in the lobby, thus creating a visual link between exterior and interior; it is as if the direction of this brickwork is guiding us towards the reception desk.

Crystal Island (building project)

Unbuild architectural structure in Moscow.

Moscow State University

Moscow State University named after Mikhail Lomonosov, 260 after its foundation, is one of the most iconic buildings of Moscow and Russia. Nowadays the Moscow State University is experiencing a new stage in its development, growing and expanding its territory. It started with the construction of the Intellectual Center, the Lomonosov and Shuvalov academic buildings of the Moscow State University. But today we are not talking about single, even unique buildings, but about a large-scale development of a giant territory. The idea of creating a science and technology valley on a site, which has been reserved for a long time for the development of the main university of the country, was preceded by a large research work The site is located on one of the important urban axis of the city Kremlin - Moscow State University. At present, the axis ends with the Intellectual Center of Moscow State University. The development concept provides for its extension to the Park of the 50th Anniversary of October. The campus and residential quarters frame the axis, leaving it free to accommodate a number of comfortable public spaces. Construction of the Intellectual Center of the Moscow State University, the Shuvalov and Lomonosov academic buildings, the Medical Faculty of the Moscow State University laid the foundations of the development of a new territory. However, there is still a number of issues: • A significant part is occupied by illegal garage and warehouse facilities, creating an unfavorable sanitary and crime situation • There are illegal landfills creating an unfavorable sanitary situation; • Lack of green spaces within pedestrian areas, lack of recreation areas and infrastructure facilities; • Lack of transportation connectivity. The Project is aimed at: • Creating a new local city center with a unique anchor facility - a science and technology valley of the Moscow State University; • Developing the historical urban axis, creating layout and visual connections with surrounding areas; • Creation of a well-developed network of landscaped areas connecting the Park of 50th Anniversary of October with the Vorobyovy Gory Natural Reserve and the Moskva River embankments • Providing pedestrian and transportation connectivity. The new campus of the Moscow State University named after Lomonosov will become the all-Russian center of research and education. The campus will be maximally integrated into urban fabric, harmoniously combining buildings and public spaces, it will provide convenience and comfort not only for scientific research and training, but for everyday life. The project implementation is in line with the city's overall development strategy aimed at economic growth, improvement of transport links and creation of new public spaces.

1 Zhukov

Our 1 Zhukov project in Moscow represents an alternative approach to the creation of a new kind of office space in the region. The 22,000 sqm former factory is situated on the edge of the middle ring road (there are three in the city) in what could be loosely termed an industrial business quarter on the border of Khoroshyovo-Mnevniky and Khoroshevskiy. There is a cement works opposite and a State Tax Office next door. However with the opening of a new Khoroshevskaya metro station 500m away in 2016 it was clear that the area was about to change. As it stood the existing three story building, completed in the so called ‘Soviet Style’ during the early 1970’s, was constructed of a reinforced concrete frame and single glazed with additional metal cladding. Within there were a number of double height spaces for tall machinery as well as a city owned nuclear bunker in the basement (accessed from the car park oustide). Our challenge was to find a cost effective way of converting the building while pushing as much as possible a sustainable agenda. The solution was to use the existing structure by stripping off the facade completely and hollowing out two large atria creating communal spaces at the ground floor. These are top lit by specially designed industrial glazed roofs, designed to take a heavy snow load, which can also open creating a stack effect for summer cooling. The building expresses its industrial heritage, bringing together the past and present and a previously harsh environment becomes an incubator for small to medium sized businesses. The exterior of the building was then re-faced with an insulated cladding system complete with triple glazed windows, using a black brick Klinker tile as the finished surface. This simple idea is made dynamic by the sliding rhythm of the windows across the façade and the fact that the ground floor is fully glazed cleverly sitting in front of the existing steel structure which is painted bright red. The device of exposing the original steel frame exposes a number of quirky anomalies, relating to its historic use, raising a sense of curiosity when viewed from the public realm. At night the building appears to hover and an eerie green light filters through the coloured glass denoting escape stairs. While the building is surrounded by car parking softened around the edges by areas of formal seating next to the café area juxtaposed with wild-flower natural planting interspersed with Siberian Larch trees. Approaching the front door there is a clear reference to the Russian Constructivist Movement in the oversized ‘number one’ sign and projecting steel canopy. Moving inside the scale of the atrium becomes clear having walked beneath a bridge connection seeing the concrete frame – rough at times and smooth at others where there have been repairs or new fabric. Flashes of yellow appear at the base of the columns that lead the eye toward the reception sitting in front of another red steel structure, which is the internal stair case connecting the floors. Adding to the sense of drama the polished black granite floor creates a reflection of the structure and the roof which is particularly apparent at night. The glass security barriers are discreetly situated in front of the lift lobby, clad in the external black brick, and lit using reconditioned pendant lights from the former factory. The second atrium to the rear of the lift core is designed to be a break out space for co-working or informal meetings. Moving though the building the corridors are characterised by their graphic use of colour with green walls, yellow doors and red steel work, tempered by the poured grey resin floor. Curiously there is no tradition in the city of fitting out offices for tenants so once through the door there is an empty space. Those early adopter tenants, such as the Russian Junior Chess League, have taken a simple and cost effective approach with is in harmony with the building, despite being basic. While not necessarily a ground breaking project in terms of its massing and form, this thoughtful approach goes a long way in redefining how old, but not special, buildings in peri-urban locations can be repurposed. Project Orange have brought their technical expertise as well as their confidence designing interiors to create a refined yet characterful statement. The client is to be commended for their vision in wishing to create an alternative working environment, which is in contrast to the rash of second rate glazed high rise buildings populating the Central Business District. Although many have only just been completed, this theme-park approach to creating an architectural zoo feels dated, yet will dominate the skyline of the city for decades to come. Time will tell whether this building fills up with a mix of tenants who thrive in this unique context, though the signs are looking promising. In many ways this feels like the future – changing incrementally the urban fabric and the quality of people’s lives for the better. Overall the project has resulted in a sustainable building which uses the old structure, it is a new business model that helps local SME’s and it bucks the trend for slick new office, embracing the robust legacy of the original factory. The client’s final comment was that it looks so good it could easily sit next to the Kremlin. We are not sure we agree with the second half of that statement!

Garage Museum of Contemporary Art

Art Museum in Moscow, Russia.

Ordynka

The project occupies the site of a famous chocolate factory in the historic heart of Moscow. It consists of seven high-end residential buildings connected by a spacious internal courtyard. The original facades of the factory were renovated to retain its historical appearance. In contrast to the original buildings, the facades facing the courtyard have an emphatically modern design, with polylines, panoramic windows, large modules of white architectural concrete, natural stone and anodized copper. These elements give the development an unequivocally modern character. In addition, ORDYNKA features a carefully restored 19th century merchant mansion, specifically a classic manor house with a portico and two outbuildings. The project is designed pragmatically, divided into separate objects to address the complexity of hosting such a large structure in the historic city center. To do so, a universal module was used in planning the facades of all buildings. The original facade faces Malaya Ordynka Street, hiding a modern spacious courtyard formed by two linear volumes with 3D facades, interconnected by two raised bridges. The facades are clad in contrasting shades of light stone and dark metal. The wavy geometric appearance is created with a simple movement of the planes inward and outward, forming a regular pattern of "waves". "ORDYNKA was a painstaking but very interesting project for us. Our goal was to organically install uncompromising contemporary architecture into the context of historical Moscow." Project Information: Address: 25 Malaya Ordynka Street, Moscow Floors: 6 Structure: Concrete Total area: 18,300 square meters Number of apartments: 82 Apartment sizes: 45.4- to 315.6 square meters Underground parking: 107 cars Completion: December 2020 Budget: circa £60 million.

Lavrushinskiy

Kremlin view premium residential complex Lavrushinskiy Lavrushinskiy is located in the very heart of Moscow, only 1 km away from the Kremlin. The Project is delicately integrated into the historical center of the city, while its architecture and facade solution help to unleash the potential of this unique land plot. The project skyline, well-thought-out massing and facade solutions gracefully raise the property above the low-rise city development — the Tretyakov Gallery, Bolotnaya Square, Golden Island — and help to enhance visual connection of Lavrushinskiy and the Kremlin. Thus, 72% of the apartments have the best direct views of the Moscow Kremlin. The project was designed by SPEECH architectural bureau headed by Sergei Choban, and it consists of 3 residential buildings ranging from 8 to 14 floors, as well as 6 residential and 2 retail villas, all connected by two-level underground parking. The project comprises 144 apartments and 12 luxurious penthouses, including two 2-level lots remarkable for private pools with Kremlin view. Exquisite architecture of Lavrushinskiy combines classical and modern techniques, which help to reflect the key architect’s inspiration — Moskva River graceful curves, which lays just in 300 meter distance — through its bionic facade shapes. Thus, leitmotif of the main facade has become a wave of balconies flowing along it. Lavrushinskiy sustainability strategy bases on durable and natural materials: limestone, granite, marble and brass. Natural light-beige limestone is used as the key facade material. It allows to fulfil the architect’s idea of plasticity and tectonics of shapes and forms. Vertical fluted facade pylons, horizontal concave belts are all made of limestone too. All these details nourish the facade with additional depth and dynamics. Architecture idea goes on to broaden; it flows inside the buildings and finds its reflection in lobby area fitted out with marble and relief limestone panels. Light-colored stone which is used in common areas fit-out support the facade design scheme and draw together exterior and interior. The Moskva River bionic lines and water flow effect are reflected in the key landscaping idea, which flows into footprints. The territory of the private courtyard park is 1.4 hectares, it is the largest landscaped courtyard on the Moscow elite real estate market. Here one can find zones of active games with children and sports facilities, green oases for tranquil leisure, as well as a plenty of water elements. KID'S LAB standard based outdoor playground concept is called “Waterworld: Ride the Wave” and it is a variable space for children of different age groups. Under the playground a kid’s playroom is located, it is designed in “Underwater World” concept. Together with the playground they are connected by a tube slide, which can quickly take you from the upper "water" world directly to the lower "underwater" one. An exclusive indoor wellness area is also designed for the residents of the project. It includes a private fitness club, a 25-meter sports pool and a SPA area with hammam and sauna. The ceiling design here imitates water surface, while natural travertine and wood are used in fit-out.

Federation Tower

Federation Tower is a complex consisting of two skyscrapers – the 63-storey Tower West and the 97-storey Tower East – on lot 13 of the Moscow International Business Centre in Moscow. The two towers stand on the same mixed-use plinth. The most recognizable high-rise landmark in Moscow, Federation Tower has a memorable silhouette in the form of two glass sails which face one another. The Federation Tower complex ascends to 374 meters (in 2017 the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat – CTBUH – recognized it as the tallest skyscraper in Europe). The design is based on the concept of the vertical city, which was realized here for the first time in the history of modern Russia. Each of the towers has a combination of office and residential floors, interspersed with sports and entertainment functions. The six-storey plinth likewise has offices and a shopping gallery. The basis of the foundations of the Federation Tower complex is a massive concrete slab. Both buildings rely for their stability on a mighty concrete core whose walls are 1.4 meters thick at its base, as well as on 25 perimeter columns extending all the way through the towers from the foundations to the top storeys. Each column has a base measuring 2 x 1.4 meters. Every 25-30 storeys there are outrigger storeys made from high-strength steel structures. The façades have been glazed using the very latest glazing systems: the surface of the glass reflects the sun’s rays while preserving the optimum temperature in the building. In terms of density, the glass comes close to the thermal performance of a brick wall. At the time when use of the latter technology began at Federation Tower, it was being used in no other skyscraper in the world.

Zaryadye Concert Hall

Zaryadye Concert Hall was designed as part of the urban landscape project Zaryadye Park, which occupies the area of the former Moscow district called Zaryadye. This site in the vicinity of Moscow Kremlin fronts the Moskva-river embankment and borders Kitaigorodsky Proezd and Varvarka Street. The building of Concert Hall adjusts the park on the east and interprets its general idea which suggests the park buildings to be hidden to a great extent in the park structure and to open outside with one façade. The belonging to the park glass space structure covers the microclimatic area and large amphitheater on the roof of the Concert Hall. At the same time it forms the entrance area accentuated with the branching support and the inviting square on the north-east. The east façade allows look into the depth of the foyer, thus emphasizing the “in-built” character of the house. The southern façade is supplied with media screen where translations of the concerts can be watched in the small open-air amphitheater. The foyer envelops the main hall from the eastern and northern sides. It is organized partly along the eastern glassed façade where it develops as spectacular route following the natural site slope towards the river, with long ramps and viewpoints towards the embankment panorama and park with St.Anna Church. The northern part of the foyer is the key meeting and information zone with central entrance into the main hall, two symmetrically placed stairs to the balcony level and a large staircase leading down to the cloakroom. The rooms of administration on the second floor are partly oriented into the foyer to receive natural light. Cafes and bars are designed as part of the general recreation, distributed to serve different levels. The main hall for 1600 spectators is a natural acoustics space suitable for different kinds of music performance and organized as arena-hall. The spectator’s area includes parterre, amphitheater, dress circle and one-level balcony. The acoustic project had determined its geometry and choice of materials. The walls are covered with mahogany panels, and the white bands of balconies received micro-relief for better acoustics. The main functional feature of the hall is transformable complex of seats and stage: orchestra pit and seat sector behind the stage can be automatically put away; the main amphitheater can take fully flat geometry. Different combinations can be installed to reach appropriate configuration for a concrete type of performance. Another important detail of the main hall is a large organ installed in the southern part of the hall. The small hall for 400 seats can be used either as rehearsal or chamber concert space. This also transformable space with balcony contrasts with bionic forms of main hall showing geometrically clear though expressive image.

BRODSKY

Architectural bureau Tsimailo Lyashenko and Partners created a concept for Brodsky, a new residential building on the high-density plot in the central district of Moscow at the river embankment. It should be the viewpoint that never existed: a two-points perspective from the courtyard to the river and backward. The building is making a strong functional and visual connection between itself and surrounding context. Vesper, the project developer known as the Russia’s most successful one specializes in high end real estate, named the residential building after worldwide known Russian author Brodsky. The 14-storey residential building is placed on the edge of the plot close to the river giving opportunity for the surrounding residential and school buildings to avoid the negative impact of construction but also to create a courtyard with a pedestrian alley. The courtyard alley passes throughout the building arch giving a new pedestrian connection with the embankment. It also releases a viewpoint that never existed: a two-points perspective from the courtyard to the river and backward. The building’s façade has been designed in collaboration with French studio Antonini Darmon, forming a pattern that responds to functional and aesthetic challenges. The facade is formed with three types of arches with different width and height. Such geometry creates two different images of the building: a solemn and elegant one from the embankment side and calm and peaceful from the side of the courtyard. The largest arches are the apartments living rooms windows and look over the river while the bedrooms windows look over the quiet courtyard. Monolith white architectural concrete is chosen as the finishing exterior material. Inside, 65 apartments vary between 100 and 600 square meters, spread across 14 floors. In addition to its residential function, the scheme contains wellness center, kids club with a playground and underground parking for 132 vehicles.

Rassvet Loft*studio

RASSVET LOFT*STUDIO is located in the central part of Moscow, in the territory which at the beginning of the 20th century was occupied by furniture factory of famous in Russian Empire Muir & Mirrielees trading house. In the Soviet period the machine-building plant Rassvet was located here. The plant is associated with the names of outstanding aviation designers Sergey Korolev and Semyon Lavochkin. To date, a rich development of buildings of various styles reflecting the history of the 20th century has been formed on the territory. Our project opens this territory to the city and integrates industrial buildings into the residential urban environment while maintaining the historical spirit of the place. Particular image of the project was inspired by the architectural environment of the late 19th century: the main building of the factory Muir & Mirrielees designed by Roman Klein; Russia's largest red-brick neo-gothic Catholic Cathedral and rich decorated buildings of the Shchukin’s manor house built in pseudo-russian style (now Timiryazev State Biological Museum) with old park adjacent to the museum. The first task was to turn the factory building with panel facades of the late 1980s into an apartment building. The existing bulky concrete volume with small windows dissonated with the surrounding historical buildings and did not fit the new residential function. We removed the facade concrete panels and replaced them with brickwork. The facade of the elongated industrial building was visually broken into several volumes resembling medieval row houses. Each ‘house’ has its own face. They differ in texture and colour of brickwork, framed windows and balconies. In addition ‘houses’ of the western and eastern facades have different width, proportions and number of windows. The width of ‘houses’ corresponds to the size of one apartment. A concrete skeleton is left Inside the building, mezzanines are inserted into the 6-meter high floors. Four floors now have two-level apartments with double-light spaces. Attic are located at the top level. A parking is organized in the existing basement. Ground floor apartments have separate entrances and front gardens. They are raised to the ground floor level and separated from the driveway by brick wall with flower gardens due to which there is a clear division of private and public space. The logo of the project RASSVET {dawn} LOFT * STUDIO - a solar circle – is manifested in the design of the main entrance. The ribbed canopy with lantern light throws a “striped spot” on the wall that moves along the facade following the sun. The evening illumination of the entrance area repeats this theme - a pendant lamp in the vestibule illuminates a circle on the surface of the ceiling. The continuation of our work with the territory was a neihgboring dilapidated building for houshold purposes and closely adjacent to the museum park. We have transformed the structure of the existing building and developed the typology of a building atypical for Moscow and especially for the city center. Low-rise building consists of different types townhouses with one-, two- and three-level apartments. Some of them have separate entrances from the street and front gardens. Attic apartments have double-light spaces and spacious terraces. There is covered parking at the ground floor level. The complex configuration of this building with courtyards is complemented by a high pitched roof with gables and an active silhouette of a lucarnes. The facades are made of hand-made clinker bricks, echoing the red brick architecture of the historical museum. In general, after the transformation our building began to resemble a large urban estate. So on the place of industrial territory, through the game of images, new materiality and tactility, we managed to create an original project with non-standard solutions and transform the former industrial passages into cozy city courtyards and streets.

RED7

RED7 is a new addition to the centre of the city that will contribute to the grand character of Moscow’s central ring. Located at the intersection of Academician Sakharov avenue and Sadovaya-Spasskaya street, also home to the Le Corbusier Tsentrosoyuz Building and Narkomzem, the constructivist designed Ministry of Agriculture by Alexey Shchusevand, the corner plot will have great exposure and accessibility within the city. With a height up to seventy-eight meters, the complex offers remarkable views of Moscow’s skyline and adds a bold new character to the city’s existing silhouette. “Red7’s silhouette is really an abstraction of the classical building silhouettes found in the city,” explains Jacob van Rijs, co-founder of MVRDV. “The combination of two grand and warm-toned buildings not only create a symbolic gateway to the city centre, but also homely dwellings and fine work spaces with a lively programme on ground levels for all to enjoy.” The 52,000m2 complex will consist of luxury apartments, a sports centre, flexible workspaces, an event space and a sky deck. The top floors accommodate apartments in a variety of configurations and sizes with the largest located on the corners providing panoramic views in every direction. Underground programs include a supermarket and both commercial and residential parking. A modular system allows for diversifying the building’s shape and interior typologies whilst at the same time, this provides both compact and spacious apartments. The volume of the building is sculpted and diversified to create distinctive entrances and a sloping roofscape that strengthens the views of the city. Sculptural cuts on the top and bottom of the facade are carved out according to the function that needs to take place, or certain quality that needs to be provided within the space inside. The elevation pattern is manipulated by various window sizes that respond to their position within the façade. The red ceramic façade features a subtle gradient of window sizes in dialogue to the buildings overall massing. The distinct red-colour of the façade not only refers to the neighboring constructivist building, but also affirms its character as a warm and welcoming place to live.

Tatlin Apartments

Constructed in 1927 by the civil engineer V. Patek, the original “Telephone Exchange'' building at Number 5 Bakuniskaya Street is a classic example of Russian industrial constructivism. It is one of three identical buildings in Moscow. The four-story, T-shaped structure has not been used since digital telecommunications were introduced in the city and has been falling into decay for two decades. During the complete restoration of the site, the main historic façade, facing Bakuninskaya street, has been restored to its original aesthetic. This was done with the use of a light grey and bright red stucco against the contrasting dark grey of the aluminium windows, doors and metal fixtures. The historic front section of the building now includes a retail center, gym, cafes and a restaurant with an outdoor terrace. The rear part of the building has been redesigned to host two large lobbies at the ground floor level, serviced by separate lift cores. These lobbies enable access to the apartments above and are accessed via a double-height drop-off area in the centre. A new independent volume, with a striking, triangular cantilevered façade, now hovers above the existing historic building. The contrast between old and new is emphasized through the employment of materials: the new facade is a dramatic contemporary form, a grid of large scale modular, metallic components and stained glass, which contrasts the original grey stucco. The two volumes are separated by a public sky-garden and every room in the upper volume has a balcony or a terrace. The new structure is cantilevered from the south and north by 13 and 7.5 meters, respectively, and is supported by two V-columns. The transferred slab underneath is a waffle superstructure, providing structural stability. Although the original building did not have a formal protective status, we did not consider any other option but to save as much of the original fabric as we could. The new volume on the top is designed to contrast, and at the same time, complement, the original structure Project Information: Address: 5 Bakuninskaya Street, Moscow Floors: 12 Structure: Steel / Concrete Total area: 18,600 square meters Number of apartments: 127 Underground parking: 66 cars Completion: April 2021 Budget: circa £30 million Developer: Vesta Development Programme: apartments, retail, car park, public spaces.

Zhivopisny Bridge

Cable-stayed bridge in Russia.