Archi.ru:
In your practice, there are quite a few projects related to the redevelopment of former industrial facilities. How did it happen that this direction became one of the priorities?
Sergey Trukhanov:
Reconstruction is an area of activity where it is easier for young architects to prove themselves today. At the moment when our team was just starting their professional practice, the topic of redevelopment was quite new for the developer, and for the builder, and for "seasoned" practicing architects. At first, few people understood how to work with this and how much it would be in demand. That is why customers, fearing to burn out and at the same time trying to save money, often turned to not the most famous start-up bureaus. In addition, young and energetic designers could find the very fresh and unconventional approach that was simply necessary in this matter.
To be honest, we were hoping to fill this niche. After restrictions on new construction in the center of Moscow, the former industrial zones remained almost the only territorial reserve of the city. And, of course, when the workshop was approached with such an order, we gladly set to work.
What project did it all start with?
Sergey Trukhanov:
It all started in 2010 with reconstruction
mills I. A. Zaryvnova in Orenburg. We converted it into an office center. Next came search solutions for the renovation of an administrative building on Malaya Gruzinskaya. Even before the design began, our workshop, together with KR Properties, was analyzing this area, trying to determine the prospects for its development. The scenarios for the development of space were very different - from the reconstruction and adaptation of existing facilities for a hotel complex or office center to complete or partial dismantling, involving new construction. In short, a very serious analytical work was done, detailed diagrams and calculations were prepared. The result of these "exercises" was that we had the opportunity to participate in other projects of the developer.
Another small but dear to heart project within the framework of redevelopment, which we brought to the end, was the renovation of the territory of a small section of the courtyard of Danilovskaya Manufactura. To date, this project is at the implementation stage. The first major implementation is the Domino business quarter. Its original concept was developed by another architectural firm. We had to adapt the project proposal and release the working documentation. Despite the fact that we were very respectful of the author's intention and tried to adhere to the ideology of our colleagues, a lot of the project had to be redone and changed - due to the wishes of the customer, newly identified circumstances or the impossibility of implementing this or that solution.
Alexander Brovkin:
We put a lot of our own energy and creative ideas into this project, but deliberately did not go beyond the original concept of our predecessors. Domino was the first work of this scale for us. We started it in 2011, and the implementation took over three years. However, it was a very serious experience, which became the starting point for many other redevelopment projects.
How important was it to you to preserve the history and aesthetics of the place in this and other projects?
Sergey Trukhanov:
In the case of Domino, it was a place that was fundamentally important to give a second life, relying on the aesthetics of the prevailing environment. From Pyatnitskaya to Bolshaya Ordynka, an old dilapidated quarter of administrative buildings stretched there. In the new project, the building spots were preserved, but they had to seriously work with the facades of the buildings and the inner territory, albeit small and intimate, but very important for this object. The old mansion, located on the territory of the quarter and facing the Ordynka with its main facade, we have restored, recreating its historical appearance.
Alexander Brovkin:
When we arrived at the site, the mansion was in a completely deplorable state. Replacing its decayed frame with a metal one, we did not touch the walls, we tried to preserve all the decor and, most importantly, the spirit of the old building.
How do you feel about the practice of adapting former industrial areas for housing? What projects of this kind, created by your workshop, would you mention?
Sergey Trukhanov:
The most explosive became
loft-quarter project Studio # 8. This is a clean prom, which should have been turned into an apartment block. The area where the site is located, with its own character and history, was also very promising from an economic point of view - a good position in the city, next to the already existing large residential skyscraper "Triumph Palace". In addition to the initially interesting task set for us by the situation itself and the environment, in this project we were interested in the position of the customer. This was the period when he formulated the concept of "live and work". The developer liked the idea of concentrating housing and places of employment in one area, and he began to actively introduce it into practice. The loft style and industrial past of the site added a special romance to the place. The project began to be positioned as a place for young and active people, artists, musicians, creative intelligentsia.
In my opinion, all these factors together predetermined the success of the project: the correct task and the concept of the customer, the well-captured spirit of the place, an interesting legend for potential buyers and, of course, the quality of architecture and execution. Despite its openness - and the complex is mostly devoid of fences and barriers - each house has its own cozy courtyard, protected from the noise of the city, its own address, and recognizability. As a result, more than 70% of residential space was purchased at the design stage. In this situation, some of the lots had to be "customized" for a specific buyer. Square meters were quickly bought not only horizontally, but also vertically, which is why we had to redo and adapt the layouts in an accelerated mode. Now the complex is practically completed, there are still works on improvement.
Separately, I would like to talk about your projects, in which special attention was paid not so much to architecture as to the territory as a whole
Sergey Trukhanov:
One of the recently implemented -
the territory of the 1st stage of the Savelovsky City office center. We had a lot of work on this project. And they started from the territory. Renovation actually affects first of all the territory and only then - the buildings. This is a colossal work on space zoning, logistics, and creating accents. It would seem that in "Savelovsky City" it was mainly about new construction, but at the same time it was necessary to constantly look back at the placed objects and their functional purpose. Due to the work with the territory, it was necessary to competently separate the offices, apartments and public functions located in close proximity to each other. And to supplement everything with scenarios of artistic improvement.
Alexander Brovkin:
The architecture in this project was handled by SPEECH. Our bureau was in charge of the territory. The construction of such a large complex gave impetus to the development of the entire region - a very specific place, without any special beauties. The new object began to interact with the environment, new pedestrian and transport communications began to appear. Large enterprises and companies adjacent to the site, following our example, opened their territories and made them accessible to the townspeople. Thus, the design boundaries expanded by themselves, and the city received a high-quality public space.
In "Savelovsky City" you also made the interiors of the entrance group. Tell us about them
Sergey Trukhanov:
We were asked to design
interiors of a small lobby with an area of 150 sq. m - too small for its function. Having decided that since we cannot do anything with the size of the room, we need to implement a very bright idea. The entire space had to be built in such a way as to instantly create a wow effect. And here I must say thank you to the customer who showed remarkable courage and supported us in our most daring plans. So, flying art objects became the center of the composition, thanks to which the lobby turned into a small gallery.
But in addition to art objects, the space is also formed by a very unusual combination of colors, interesting materials are used there
Sergey Trukhanov:
Yes, we wanted to create a dynamic feeling inside. In this case, they decided to use only very characteristic materials, which in themselves are valuable and self-sufficient. Let's say copper is a very tactile and effective material. It is unusual to see him inside the lobby. All solutions here are borderline. We were balancing on the edge of theatricality, trying not to stoop to the scenery. It seems to me that everything worked out.
Despite the fact that your bureau is quite young, we talk a lot about realizations. Is it difficult to implement such projects? And how often does the concept come to life in your practice?
Sergey Trukhanov:
Most of the projects are being implemented to one degree or another. Obviously, working with an already established environment, with a ready-made context, you face greater difficulties than in the case of new construction. Every day a pitfall is discovered. It is important not to slip into a remake, especially when you have to mix existing buildings with new ones. For example, in Saratov we did
renovation of the old factory "Saratov Muk". Some of the objects recognized as architectural monuments had to be preserved and included in the new development. I can say that we are always against any stylization. In my opinion, honest modern architecture should be erected next to historical buildings. At the same time, new construction should not argue with the historical context, disrupt the formed ties. This is the main difficulty.
You mentioned the project in Saratov. What is his destiny?
Alexander Brovkin:
The first phase of this project is currently being implemented, which involves mostly the restoration of existing buildings. The project, covering a huge territory, of which six hectares are located on the coastline with a relief difference of up to 25 meters, is planned to be developed until 2025. We hope that in the near future at least two or three more stages will be implemented.
You worked not only in Saratov, but also in Orenburg, Yekaterinburg and other cities of the country. How relevant, in your opinion, is the topic of redevelopment of former factories and factories in the regions?
Sergey Trukhanov:
In the regions, there are much more assets such as former industrial zones than in Moscow. The Moscow developer has a clear understanding of how to develop such territories, while he is always sorry for money. The customer from the region usually has the means, but lacks the courage and desire to experiment. With all this, really interesting objects appear in the regions. So far, there are very few of them, since the position there is such that it is easier to demolish old buildings than to reconstruct them.
You talked about the difficulties you have to face when working with industrial zones. And what are the advantages in this direction? Why are you interested in working with such an architecture?
Sergey Trukhanov:
It is already interesting to work with buildings that are of historical value. They are all animate. This is not an emotionless space, on the contrary, it is very full and lively. And every time you come across something unknown, you make a discovery. In Orenburg, we found old underground passages connecting various buildings on the territory of the mill, various artifacts in the form of ancient stairs, huge blinds on a chain drive, and so on.
Alexander Brovkin:
It's like vintage things that suddenly get a new lease on life. It's the same with buildings. After the reconstruction, acquiring a new function, they seem to be born a second time. For example, in the same Saratov, restoring old and forgotten buildings, we reopen them for the city. The mill has long ceased to be used for its intended purpose. For a long time it was empty. In recent years, it has housed part of the Saratov flour mill. During this time, the buildings of the mill were repainted many times, overgrown with monstrous outbuildings. One façade disappeared completely after an elevator was added to it and the windows were laid. In fact, the object has disappeared for the city. Removing all temporary layers, we returned it to the city and extended its life. Now it will stand for another two hundred years.
Does the specifics of working with existing buildings limit your creative freedom?
Sergey Trukhanov:
On the contrary. Creative freedom cannot be limited. Not that the renovation opened up more opportunities for realizing its potential, here the task is much more difficult. A situation with an insane amount of restrictions, features and aspects is proposed. At the same time, you are not dominated by soulless matters, but by history, artifacts that need to be preserved or given special significance.
Do you consider reconstruction and renovation a promising direction for yourself?
Sergey Trukhanov:
Yes, we continue to work actively in the field of renovation of industrial facilities, we are conducting projects for the improvement of territories. Of the most striking current projects, I can note the reconstruction of the Belgrade Hotel - a very complex and multi-layered object, to which we are now giving a lot of energy. The direction turned out to be very interesting for us. I confess that we ourselves did not expect this.
Give examples of redevelopment from world practice that are closest to you
Alexander Brovkin:
I really like the Hafen City area in Hamburg, thanks to which we managed to expand the city by 220 hectares by redeveloping the port area. There you can see examples of successful reconstruction of old buildings next to new objects of well-known Western architectural firms (the most famous of them is the Elbphilarmonia Herzog and de Meuron - ed.).
Sergey Trukhanov:
There are a lot of successful examples in world practice today. For myself, I would single out projects that differ in approaches and tasks. In the first row is Liverpool's landmark Albert Docks reconstruction project. Now many museums have united there, including the Beatles Museum, hotel complexes, entertainment centers, retail (an area of about 320 hectares, reconstruction started in 1981 lasted 22 years until 2003 - ed.). This place has become a new urban center - so much in demand that new urban development is growing around it. Also, I cannot fail to note the Dockland area in London, which is interesting primarily from an urban planning point of view. This is practically the only residential area of the city, which is inhabited directly by the owners of the apartments. While most of the housing in the center is rented out. The entire fund is made up of former warehouses and workshops, there is almost no new construction there. But the project that I love is perhaps the most - the Shoreditch area. This is another version of redevelopment, which differs from the above in its spontaneity. People themselves transform space. The population is predominantly creative people who once came to this industrial area and turned it into a real artistic Mecca. All walls in Shoreditch have been declared free for graffiti, which is why you can see the most striking examples of street design and street art there. Just now, there was a competition for the reconstruction of the old Shoreditch metro station, where we entered the shortlist, thanks to which, through temporary structures, it will be possible to link the two districts separated by the railway.
Could you mention something similar in Russian practice?
Sergey Trukhanov:
I would have noted Artplay before it was redone, when it was on st. Timur Frunze. It was one of the most soulful places in Moscow. The rest of the Russian redevelopment projects are mostly commercial in nature. This also applies to Krasnaya Roza and the Luch business district, where the loft style is sold at a high price. In terms of the quality of redevelopment, I would mention Stanislavsky's factory. In terms of visual effect, this is one of the best properties in Moscow.
Is the decision to place your workshop on the territory of the industrial zone a deliberate step or just a coincidence?
Alexander Brovkin:
It is an accident. Although we ourselves are constantly engaged in the transformation of such spaces, being inside all this untouched beauty, we deeply hope that the developer's hand will not touch it soon.
