The award-winning international office AND-RÈ presents their competition proposal for the New Centre of Contemporary Arts in Moscow. The architects’ modus operandi involves the questioning and understanding of topics of the contemporary scene. This is yet reflected in their competition proposal through the notion of art and its existential symbolism in society and for society. Their outcome is derived in an attractive architectural form where it represents more than an art institution and is aimed to preserve the correlation between art and future as a main function.
Photography By© Fernando Guerra | FG+SG
In terms of building usage, the identity of the centre function as a seducting, shaping and emotion evoking environment visitors would be attracted to. It therefore enhances the meaning of art’s essential purpose – to engage, reflect and interact, provoke questions and redeem artistic expressions of identity in return. The proposal is divided into three levels each with its own specific function but when brought together, the three levels communicate a sense of art’s multidimensional identity. Level 1 is the exterior – a sleek and slender glazed structure with intricate curtain walling and elegant usage of glass and steel.
Photography By© Fernando Guerra | FG+SG
The shape of the exterior is what provokes and attracts visitors to further explore. So the physical transparency of the building is transformed into a metaphor for ‘a glimpse of its inner organization’. This leads to Level 2 – the transition and continuation from the exterior and the surrounding environment to the interior, habitual space. This level promotes for a multi-purpose usage: it is both open and spacious, offering much natural light to penetrate it. Hence, it offers good conditions for stimulated social interaction and relations building. It offers good conditions for exhibitions and performances, or it could just be accommodated one essential need – the free circulation and transition of the visitor.
Photography By© Fernando Guerra | FG+SG
In this way, Level 2 offers an immediate contact and relationship between visitors and the art exhibited. Level 3 is the kernel of the centre, where architectural solids are defined in a rational and functional way. This is how the whole system of exhibiting and viewing is organized and the interior solids are also connected to the whole of the interior of the building and its exterior glazing shell [respectively, Level 2 and Level 1].
Photography By© Fernando Guerra | FG+SG
By Yoana Chepisheva