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New National Center for Contemporary Art in Moscow

Elongated, narrow, having one side for perception and the need to close the view of the rear facade of the shopping center, the site for the NCCA building involves a building facade. This facade is the spatial "focus" of the vast free territory of the Khodynka field in front of it. The possibility, although limited, of developing in the depth of the site allows the facade surface to acquire visual activity and to indicate its presence in the surrounding landscape.

 

The building concept is based on the idea of a pixel as a basic particle-carrier of visual information. The perception of information through combinations of pixels echoes the function of the spaces of the center of contemporary art. The pixelized surface of the facade is made up of cubic volumes extended from the plane of the facade at different distances. Being different sizes, deaf or transparent, these cells create a play of light and shadow, transparency and opacity, gravity and lightness, and provide visual interaction with the urban space corresponding to the building of the cultural center.

 

From the face to the back of the building, the building has a layered structure: the outer layer of cells is replaced by a layer of an open internal atrium to the entire height of the building, in which vertical communications are concentrated. The next layer is the space isolated from the outside world between the atrium and the back wall.

 

Public and exhibition spaces are located in the cells of the main facade. Around the elongated atrium, which is the central ridge of the building, there are vertical vehicles: ramps, escalators, elevators, and stairs. The structure of the main facade is perceived by visitors to the building, located in the atrium, and during the ups and downs.

 

The open city space in front of the facade was left free of car traffic. The road passes under the square in front of the center. Thus, the park on the Khodynsky field, combining with the open public space and the entrance groups of the center, makes up a single pedestrian zone. Access of cars to underground parking is carried out from the lower level of the street.

 

 

Company: EPI Mosproject-5

Architects: Vladimir Belskiy, Kirill Kolotilin

Location: Moscow, Khodynka

Project: 2013

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