Type: International Competition
Location: Moscow – Russia
Project architects: Marinos Panagi, Nicos Mesaritis, Meroujan Mirzaian
Area: 51230 m²
Site Area: 446500 m²
Budget: euro 105,000,000
Year: 2013
During the lifetime of Moscow, St. Basil’s Cathedral architectural expression stands out from any other. Located in the monumental square of the city, for about five hundred years it symbolizes the unique cultural character of Russia. The Contemporary art of that time found expression through architectural concept. The result is unique, through art the visions and aspirations of the people found expression, identifying itself at the end as a symbol of the city itself. This identification gave birth to Moscow’s main landmark and an international cultural image of the city.
“A countries culture is judged by the level of its architecture” these are the words of the late French President Francois Miteran. The French politician used architecture to spearhead his cultural policy. Through architecture he wanted to keep Paris as a city of the world in the 21st century.
One of the projects was the modern expression of the historic monument Arc de Triumph. Through an architectural completion a new Arc was required as a seal towards the future. Art was going to be the tool to highlight the city. This context was the inspiration for our proposal. A landmark that stands in continuity with the cluster of blazing figures of St. Basil’s Cathedral, creating a link between the cultural and artistic past and future of Moscow.
The idea allows the functional organization of the various activities in the semi-autonomous figures which are connected through different levels. Thou activates can be located separately, smooth accessibility is facilitated. A Very important role for the function and circulation is placed on the levels of the entrance lobby at ground floor, and the interior ramp at the higher section throughout the museum. Through the system of voids the unification of internal space is achieved.
The presence of the linear road in front serves the approach of vehicles into the building but it is also a negative element for the connection between the square of the museum and the park. By creating two low sloping levels from each side of the road to meet at a lower level, a secure and functional connection is created between the museum square and the park.
NEW CENTER OF CONTEMPORARY ARTS May 26th, 2020Admin
