Architecture: CT Architects
Geo: Grozny, RU
Photo: Gorozhanin
Despite only visiting Grozny in person in 2023, my acquaintance with the city began over a decade ago. At Mostovik, we developed one of the versions of Grozny City 2, and later, I defended my thesis with my own project version.
Geo: Grozny, RU
Photo: Gorozhanin
Despite only visiting Grozny in person in 2023, my acquaintance with the city began over a decade ago. At Mostovik, we developed one of the versions of Grozny City 2, and later, I defended my thesis with my own project version.
Modeling the city from afar acquaints you with the territory better than any book or video could. Considering that our subject is the Grozny Mall, located next to the City-2 site, the material promises to be interesting.
The project was developed by the studio with a rich history — CT Architects. CT Architects is the team of the Russian division of Chapman Taylor, which left the local Russian market. We spoke with their deputy director, architect Alina Efimovich, about sustainable development at a conference about a year ago. We will discuss the bureau’s work separately, but for now, let’s move on to Grozny Mall (CT).
G — Grozny Mall is a significant structure, and the first thing that catches the eye is its asymmetric structure, which conceals much symbolism. How did such a volume come about, and what meanings were embedded in its form?
G — Grozny Mall is a significant structure, and the first thing that catches the eye is its asymmetric structure, which conceals much symbolism. How did such a volume come about, and what meanings were embedded in its form?
CT — The design of any facility begins with the study of the technical assignment, analysis of the site, and the vision of the client. In the case of this shopping center, the task was primarily to create a space that would become a point of attraction and the largest commercial facility in the North Caucasus Federal District. It was expected to serve not only the residents of Chechnya but also other nearby republics. The site of the shopping center has excellent scenic characteristics, transport and pedestrian accessibility, and even terrain. Based on the client’s technical assignment and input data from commercial consultants, the fundamental ideas for the object’s placement on the site and its internal layouts were developed.
The main difference of CT from other architectural firms is the development of commercially effective planning solutions that allow maximum use of the building’s internal space and are convenient and understandable for visitors.
The main difference of CT from other architectural firms is the development of commercially effective planning solutions that allow maximum use of the building’s internal space and are convenient and understandable for visitors.
After approving the main direction of the concept, we began to create the architectural appearance of the building, based on the eight-pointed star — a symbol of Islam. This image is traced in many volumetric-spatial forms and decorative elements. In the exterior — a building of crystalline form with a predominance of sharp and beveled angles, edges, and faceted surfaces, as well as a roof that serves as the fifth facade, finished with silver-colored metal and glass. Such a combination creates a prism effect, reflecting colors on its surface that change throughout the day. In the interior, crystalline forms are also reflected in details and bright color accents. As a result, we got a modern and unique object that fits perfectly into the environment and the cultural features of the region.
G — The construction of facilities in the Caucasian region is as variable as the weather in the mountains. The diverse landscape, rivers, reserves, local architecture — all are reflected not only in the architecture but also in the engineering solutions. What are the peculiarities of the site, and what challenges faced the engineers in the design and construction?
CT — The site for the shopping center construction was very complex in configuration, T-shaped. At the client’s request, it was necessary to integrate the object into the T-shape and use the site as efficiently as possible. From an architectural and environmental standpoint: on one hand, the construction of the Akhmat Tower was planned on the adjacent plot, with which the shopping center was to be connected by a bridge. The architecture of the shopping center was to echo the style of the Akhmat Tower — strict and clear lines, geometry, symbolism. On the other hand, the Heart of Chechnya central mosque is located near the site. We wanted to design a unique object that would fit perfectly into the existing conditions. Therefore, we created an interconnection between the buildings — the mosque is located on the main entrance line, decorated with a canopy with an eight-pointed star, and the Akhmat Tower was planned to be connected by a pedestrian bridge — an arrow.
CT — The site for the shopping center construction was very complex in configuration, T-shaped. At the client’s request, it was necessary to integrate the object into the T-shape and use the site as efficiently as possible. From an architectural and environmental standpoint: on one hand, the construction of the Akhmat Tower was planned on the adjacent plot, with which the shopping center was to be connected by a bridge. The architecture of the shopping center was to echo the style of the Akhmat Tower — strict and clear lines, geometry, symbolism. On the other hand, the Heart of Chechnya central mosque is located near the site. We wanted to design a unique object that would fit perfectly into the existing conditions. Therefore, we created an interconnection between the buildings — the mosque is located on the main entrance line, decorated with a canopy with an eight-pointed star, and the Akhmat Tower was planned to be connected by a pedestrian bridge — an arrow.
G: The complex opened in August 2021. Do you keep track of how the building is performing now and if all the constructive ideas embedded in it are working as intended?
CT: We always monitor the lifecycle of the projects we develop. Grozny Mall has opened not so long ago but has already gained attention and trust. Last year, it received significant industry awards: CRE Federal Awards 2022 — Large Shopping Center, Proestate & Tobe Awards 2022 — Shopping Center over 85,000 sq.m. (regions), GRREAT 2022 — New Large Shopping Center.
CT: We always monitor the lifecycle of the projects we develop. Grozny Mall has opened not so long ago but has already gained attention and trust. Last year, it received significant industry awards: CRE Federal Awards 2022 — Large Shopping Center, Proestate & Tobe Awards 2022 — Shopping Center over 85,000 sq.m. (regions), GRREAT 2022 — New Large Shopping Center.
In a completed project, it’s rare that absolutely all embedded ideas are realized. However, most of the architectural solutions we proposed were successfully implemented. We always tell our clients that to achieve an ideal or near-ideal result, it’s necessary to involve an architect at all stages of project development, not just at the concept creation stage. This helps preserve the original idea and ensure its accurate implementation.
Conclusion
I would like to thank CT Architects for the opportunity to shoot this unique project.
@gorkjournal
I would like to thank CT Architects for the opportunity to shoot this unique project.
@gorkjournal