Image: Alexey Duk

Dobrininsky

Moscow / Russia / 2007 (Project)

Interior sculpture, landscape, restaurant & bar for a new commercial HQ

Client: Horus Capital, Moscow

Net Area: 900 m2

Executive Architect: KBF (UK)

Structural Engineer: Arup AGU (UK)

Images: Alexey Duk

Ron Arad Architects were commissioned by Horus Capital in January 2007 to design the reception, atrium/lobby space and the restaurant areas of a cutting edge office complex designed by KPF Architects, in the centre of Moscow. It was clear that one of the biggest challenges would be to create an installation in this space that would announce its own individuality whilst at the same time compliment the innovative office building that the project inhabits.

The floor surface of the building is seen as one giant surface or ‘carpet’ which is picked up in one corner and simply lifted high up into the atrium creating new spaces within and beneath it. It is a single architectural gesture that connects the double height space beneath the building with the huge vertical volume of atrium at the rear. A new visual and spatial link is created which attempts to redefine the boundaries between the various programmatic requirements that inhabit it. Many large circular shaped openings are cut out of the surface framing views both into and out of the interstitial space.

Images: Alexey Duk

Entering the building you are met by a seamless bronze reception desk circular in shape which inhabits one of the cut outs in the floor. To your left is a view into the atrium where the floor surface you are standing runs through to and climbs high out of view to reveal a lobby lounge beneath. Walk through another large opening down into the restaurant and bar area you find a super-polished oil black resin floor reflecting the holey ceiling above. Sinuous lines of patinated bronze faced steps fade into walls and spread out again to form a second entrance to the restaurant from the atrium. At the end of this space is another smooth bronze object again located one of the cut outs in the surface. This time it forms the bar where occupant and visitors alike can enjoy a cocktail in this underworld. The edge of the carpet is lifted providing diners with views of the street outside and pedestrians a sectional glimpse of the spaces above and beneath and the atrium beyond. The carpet is many things at the same time - it is a floor to walk on, a table to eat at, a bar to drinks from and ceiling to dine under.