Moscow's iconic red-brick Red October district has been slowly transforming into a vibrant neighbourhood of art, food and culture ever since its well known chocolate factory moved out, leaving a rich collection of industrial buildings behind, ripe for redevelopment.
The area's latest ambitious project is the revival of the nearby disused GES2 power station (originally built between 1904 and 1907), which is set to be redesigned for the contemporary arts foundation V-A-C (opens in new tab) - an organisation dedicated to the growth and promotion of Russian contemporary art, across different media and channels. Heading the architectural scheme is Italian architect Renzo Piano and his Building Workshop (opens in new tab).
The project is designed to comprise ample public space - an extensive free access area with a sculptural garden and piazza, library, bookshop, café, restaurant and auditorium. The foundation's exhibition halls will form a separate key part of the building, while there will also be a dedicated section in the complex for education programs.
The plant's existing, dramatic chimneys - a landmark for the area - are slated to remain, also becoming, after this revamp, an indispensable part of the site' sustainability strategy, which also includes solar cells and geothermal sources. Completion is planned after the end of 2018.
The scheme involves the redesign of the existing old GES2 power station
The project is set to include dedicated exhibition and education areas, as well as plenty of public space
V-A-C is an organisation known for their promotion and support of Russian contemporary art
The RPBW's cross section through the site shows the project's generous scale
The practice created a diagram that shows the different areas and circulation around the complex
One of the architect's section sketches for the new V-A-C foundation space in Moscow
One of the architect’s section sketches for the new V-A-C foundation space in Moscow
INFORMATION
Images: Courtesy of RPBW, 2015
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