Archi.ru:
How did you get into the group with Vsevolod Medvedev, Mikhail Kanunnikov and Zurab Basaria?
Polina Yavna:
- When, after the second year, we were to be assigned to departments, we decided to go to the defense of graduates' diplomas to see who would recruit new groups. And, falling into the group of Kanunnikov, Medvedev and Basaria, they immediately fell in love with these teachers. It was felt how much they were not indifferent to their graduates, and they, in turn, were simply burning with their projects and, in general, the business they were doing. And, of course, we were bribed that the teachers are so young, energetic, on the same wavelength with the students. So we all together applied to their group and are very happy that we got there.
How was the learning process?
Yana Ostapchuk:
- From the very first lessons we were guided by the most advanced modern architecture: Zaha Hadid, UNStudio, Asymptote Architecture, Bjarke Ingels, Richard Rogers, Santiago Calatrava … We immediately took a very intense pace. They studied not only at the institute - they went to architectural bureaus and model workshops, visited construction sites, flew to Guangzhou in the 4th year, where they saw the famous Opera House designed by Zaha Hadid. Internal contests, with voting on Facebook and prizes for the winners, publications on archi.ru - all this was very motivating for the result. We are all grateful to our teachers for their care and interest in all our projects. It seems to me that this is very important - from the very beginning to instill in the future professional a love for architecture.
Polina Korochkova:
- This is probably one of the most important results of our training - that almost all graduates of the group want to connect their lives with large architecture, to engage in large-scale projects. During our studies at the Moscow Architectural Institute, we had the opportunity to try solutions for buildings that in real life we probably will not grow up to soon: museums, clubs, rehabilitation centers … At the same time, we felt like “little GAPs”, and our teachers supported us in this and worked with us as equal colleagues.
P. Ya.:
- Of course, there is a line between the leaders of the group and us, but it is almost not felt. We respect and admire them as mentors and serious architects, but they treat us with respect. And besides, I can say that over the years the teachers have become great friends to us, to whom, I am sure, we will be able to turn for help at any moment in our life, and they, too, of course.
Ya. O.:
- For me it was a real discovery that from the very beginning the teachers did not set any boundaries or frameworks for us. It was amazing - you suddenly began to feel the strength to create something, believed that everything would work out for you. And now, summing up a certain result of the learning process, I can say that my consciousness has changed, I look at architecture in a completely different way, my brain works to create new ideas.
Anna Tuzova:
- I think this is familiar to all representatives of the creative professions - when you sit in front of a white sheet in horror that absolutely nothing you can think of. So it was with us at first. But our teachers did not scold or pressure us, but helped to find some idea, to develop it. Gradually, the head begins to work in a different way, and now we are already choosing the most interesting from the set of ideas. An understanding of how to do it technically is formed faster, more time is freed up for careful elaboration of details …
Polina Moskalenko:
“At the same time, it is very important that the teachers never tried to impose their own ideas on us, to grow out of us“little selves”. They looked at what we were doing and worked to develop our ideas and thoughts. Such a sensitive attitude towards each student, an individual approach is insanely valuable.
Ya. O.:
- They tried to maximize our consciousness, remove all restrictions. Because if the brain is capable of generating the most fantastic ideas, then it will certainly cope with a simple project. And if you immediately limit yourself to cubes and squares, where does the flight of inspiration come from?
P. K.:
- In parallel with the institute projects, we have always done something else. Someone tried themselves in interior design, someone participated in competitions. Polina Yavna and I, Anya Tuzova and Yana Ostapchuk became laureates of the Perspective competition, Polina and I also won the competition for the Tulskaya metro station, Anya Petrova recently participated in a workshop in Makhachkala and won it.
Ya. O.:
- It seems to me that we ourselves are charging each other with ambition. This is such a healthy competition that is inspiring.
This year you are completing your bachelor's degree. What plans do you have for the future?
A. T.:
- Polina Korochkova and I will study with Hani Rashid at the Vienna Institute of Architecture. We interviewed, sent in a portfolio. It was very interesting to talk to such a famous architect and, of course, it was incredibly pleasant that he chose us.
P. K.:
- By the way, I never intended to go abroad, and I tried to enter the Vienna school only because for me Hani Rashid is one of the idols in the world of architecture, we are all very close to his style.
Ya. O.:
- As for me, I have not yet chosen a specific school, but I also plan to continue my studies abroad. There is a different approach, a different vision of architecture, and I want to try to look at the profession from a different point of view, to broaden my professional horizons.
P. M.:
- For me, a change of scenery, the opportunity to try something new is also very important. I don't know where I will study next - in another country or just in another city - but I would like to work in different places, with different people, to understand what I can get from them as a professional.
P. K.:
- In any case, then we all intend to return to Moscow. This is our hometown, we observe how it develops, changes, we feel it and understand what it needs. And so I want to apply the experience that we will get right here,
P. Ya.:
- And I, unlike the girls, am not going to leave yet. I would probably like to study at the Moscow Architectural Institute, try to work, understand what I am missing - and then, perhaps, go somewhere in search of what is missing. My dream is to create beautiful modern architecture specifically in Russia, for the Russian people: we do not have enough of it yet, and the scope for activity is huge. And I would like to leave beauty behind in the country where you were born.
P. K.:
- Three academic years went well, to be honest, I don't want it to end. We hope to maintain friendly relations with classmates and with our teachers, and to interact with each other to the maximum in future life. As for professional plans, of course, everyone in our group dreams of being involved in large social facilities so that as many people as possible can appreciate our work. The most important thing is that the creative streak that was instilled in us at the institute does not stop beating, so that there is always an outlet for creative energy. We now feel a lot of strength and desire to work in ourselves. I want to do as much as possible in this life!
