Yekaterinburg is the fourth largest city in Russia in terms of population and one of the fastest growing cities in our country. Architecture, first of all, towers - the main feature of large economic centers around the world should correspond to such high rates of progress. The first such attempt with the participation of architects from the UK was made in 2008, but the Ekaterinburg Tower project by the RMJM bureau, apparently, will remain just a project. Now Sir Norman Foster himself is designing for Yekaterinburg: his bureau presented a project for a 13-storey building for the central office of the Russian Copper Company (RMK).
RCC, the leader of the Russian market, also positions itself as one of the most high-tech and energy efficient copper producers in the world. Judging by the official statements, the company's management pays great attention to innovations in the field of production and believes that "copper is the basis of the future, in which energy-saving technologies will play a key role." Apparently, it was this slogan that formed the basis of the brief for Foster + Partners.
The façade of triangular metal panels of bronze color, measuring 6 x 10 meters, covered with patina, immediately attracts attention. Such a solution, according to the authors of the project, is inspired by the color and crystal lattice of copper. These panels are also intended to reflect the modular structure of the building: 2-storey office blocks are stacked on top of each other on either side of a central corridor with public areas. The entire structure is wrapped in an energy efficient shell: a combination of 3-layer glazing and blank surfaces on the façade will provide heat retention in the harsh Ural winter and protection from excessive summer heat.
The architects have moved away from the traditional typology of open plan offices in favor of more "intimate" workspaces designed to create a cozy atmosphere for employees. The interiors are designed in warm natural tones using materials that are pleasant to the touch (wood, natural stone and textiles), as opposed to the outer shell made of glass and metal.
The approach to design was also innovative - the architects completely immersed themselves in the company's workflow and worked closely with the RCC team. Experts from the Foster bureau observed the employees of the client company at work, which made it possible to take into account even minor nuances, such as the angle of incidence of light in the workplace. The functional diagram of the building fully reflects the functioning of the company. For RMK employees there are meeting and recreation spaces, gyms and even a sauna. Visitors will be greeted by a lobby with 12-meter ceilings and a river view, which will also serve as an exhibition hall for the company's products.
The design site is located next to the city park. In order to integrate the building into the landscape, landscaping will be brought to the very base of the tower, where a small park for employees will appear.
Construction should begin in November this year and be completed in 2017.
