Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry. academicians M. M. Shemyakin and Yu. A. Ovchinnikov Russian Academy of Sciences (IBCh RAS)
Architects Y. Platonov, L. Ilchik, A. Panfil, I. Shulga and others.
Address: Moscow, st. Miklukho-Maclay, 16/10
Construction: 1976 - 1984
Mikhail Knyazev, architect and co-founder of the Sovmod project:
“At the intersection of Miklukho-Maklai and Academician Volgin streets in Moscow is the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry named after academicians M. M. Shemyakin and Yu. A. Ovchinnikov Russian Academy of Sciences is the result of the fruitful work of a large number of people who in the mid-1970s - early 1980s united their efforts to create a unique scientific center. The design was entrusted to a team led by the architect Yuri Platonov, and a number of foreign firms were involved in the subsequent processes of construction and technical equipment of the building. Academician Yuri Ovchinnikov, who served as director of the institute, completely devoted himself to a large project - he was directly involved in the design of the building, gave all the necessary instructions and recommendations, spent a lot of time at the construction site.
Not every person passing by the IBH knows how interesting the layout of the building is. At ground level, the tranquil façades with the consistent rhythm of windows do not give out the shape of the DNA double helix, which is especially impressive in aerial footage. By the way, it was the director Ovchinnikov who initiated the use of such an image, which was also reflected in the official logo of the institute.
In front of the main entrance to the IBKh there is a sculptural composition, at first glance - abstract. In fact, the metal contains an image of the antibiotic valinomycin with a potassium ion in the center. The asymmetrical entrance group is highlighted by a remarkable canopy structure consisting of several rows of glass domes. The appearance of the main facade of the building, decorated with a modest inscription - the name of the institute - is distinguished by its laconicism and simplicity.
The first "link" of the DNA spiral, where the visitor enters, in local slang is called BON - "Public Purpose Block", which includes a lobby with a wardrobe, a buffet and a bar, a library, and a recreation area. The listed premises face into a multi-tiered space filled with natural light, where information stands and flower beds with exotic plants are located. Natural stone of light shades is generously used in interior decoration, which gives lightness to massive and angular forms. Railings, pillars of ball-shaped lamps, decorative tubes on the walls and other decorative elements are executed in metal.
In addition to BON, the structure of the “DNA of the building” is made up of three links. Each such link consists of four laboratory buildings with a group of technical rooms and a staircase-lift unit at the ends. All buildings are interconnected by passages at the level of the fifth floor, and are also connected by one long corridor at the level of the first floor. The spaces in the center of each link on the first level have a different functional content - a winter garden, a lecture hall and a small area.
The winter garden is one of the main decorations of the building. The densely overgrown flower beds are decorated with two enfilades of metal arches bearing a special structure with built-in lamps. In the center of the symmetrical composition there is a small stone fountain with a memorial plaque that immortalized the names of all contracting organizations that took part in the construction of the IBH. The abundance of spectacular plants, soft natural light, the measured hum of lamps and the calm murmur of water create a special atmosphere of tranquility and emphasize the recreational purpose of this area.
The well-thought-out internal navigation of the institute and its design deserve special attention. In the plastic panels of the walls of the central corridor, illuminated screens with signs of the direction of movement and the number of the building or zone are mounted. It is worth noting the excellent graphics of the pictograms, as well as the font used by the designers: it looks very relevant and modern. Some of the columns are decorated with large-format posters referring to the cover designs of the progressive magazines of the 1980s about science and technology.
Fortunately, IBKh escaped the sad fate of most of the buildings built at the same time: the building of the institute has not yet been "repaired". Perhaps the determining factors were the conservative views of the institute employees or the high quality of finishing work. Almost without exception, the interiors of the institute, including the details, are authentic and perfectly preserved, and this is the special value of the building.
Like an old musical instrument, through the years it carries purity and lightness of sound, the science, which is impetuous in its development, lives in harmony with the shell of the IBCh, in which it is enclosed. I would like to believe that this union will exist for many years to come."
