GJ: The Paveletskaya site is located at a point overloaded with engineering and transport connections: the Garden Ring, the junction of the Circle and Zamoskvoretskaya metro lines, the tram ring, the railway station, transitions — it’s daunting to imagine the approvals you had to go through! How did you overcome these challenges and what engineering solutions did you use to realize the project?
B.E.: The site is unique. There are restrictions everywhere: the metro below, trams above, city height limitations, utilities, and the Garden Ring surrounding it. We didn’t fight these restrictions; we sought balance and expertise. First and foremost, we gathered the entire history of this long-term construction, found almost all its participants, documentation. We carefully studied the experience of our predecessors. Thanks to the outstanding work of the general designer’s team, in a short time, we managed to assemble the best specialists in metro and underground construction, and bring together and implement the best competencies in the city. There were many approvals, but apparently, everyone was so tired of this long-term construction that they met us halfway and helped almost everywhere. Everything happened thanks to the city team, the investor’s team, the customer, and the general designer.
S.A.: Certainly, obtaining approvals and complying with all necessary regulations related to construction and landscaping is a huge body of work, often invisible to Muscovites. We are glad that the Mall Management Group team includes professionals who carefully follow all requirements and help optimize the paperwork process so that construction proceeds according to the planned schedule. Building projects of this level in the historical city center, amidst existing buildings, is a complex task that requires deep engineering work to obtain all necessary permits. But we are very happy that as a result of our work, Moscow will become more beautiful and comfortable for living.
Integration into the Environment
GJ: The concept observable in the renders looks impressive. Judging by the visuals, the location stylistically echoes Zaryadye: the use of landscape in the exterior, bionic forms of steel and glass, numerous park and green plantings. Why did you decide to preserve the square’s space and create a large but cozy park area?
S.A.: The reconstruction of historic sites is one of the most challenging tasks for urban planners and developers. For us, it was important to preserve the appearance of Paveletskaya Square and the view of the Paveletsky railway station, which is an architectural monument. The city park became the connecting thread between the past and the present, history, and modernity. Additionally, creating another green oasis in the city center improves the quality of life for people in the metropolis. Although this significantly complicated the construction process and increased the project’s budget, we do not regret the decision and are proud of our small contribution to Moscow’s landscaping.
Opening
GJ: When is the construction expected to be completed, and when will it be possible to walk in the new green area in the center of Moscow?
S.A.: We plan to open the city park in the second half of September, so that Muscovites and guests of the capital can enjoy warm autumn walks. In November, the opening of the shopping center will take place, come to us for the festive mood and New Year’s gifts.
Conclusion
To put it simply, the complex made such an impression on me that I walked around it with a blissful smile, only distracted by the camera to catch a good shot. As an architect, I want to note that the absence of final finishing does not affect the perception of the overall form, but rather allows one to see the skeleton of the building, which even in this form lets one admire its geometry. I hope you enjoyed the material, and I would be grateful if you share it with those who might find it interesting.
On my part, I would like to thank separately Anton Bondarenko, head of APEX Project Bureau, for starting the dialogue Sofia Pershikova for communication Maria Pankratova for organizing the shooting Salikh Usmanov for the tour and helmet) And, of course, Evgeny Bykov and Alina Strelkova for their responses.