The architectural office of Montreal-based Cardin Ramirez Julien inc. in consortium with UB.design and A + A architecture of Moscow were selected for the second phase of the International Architectural Competition for the Atomic Energy Pavilion at the Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy (OJSC VDNH). The team was ranked among the six finalists selected from 49 entries originating from eight different countries.
The purpose of the international competition is to design an exhibition pavilion in the heart of Moscow, on the Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy (OJSC VDNH) site. The pavilion will illustrate to the public the expertise of and progress made by the Russian nuclear industry, highlighting its history and evolution.
The Canadian-Russian consortium has developed a concept that echoes the structure of the atom. The proposed composition of the pavilion consist of a central spherical volume and side wings, housing halls and rooms representing various sectors of the nuclear industry. Visitors cross the water surface by the suspension bridge entering into a transparent spherical room.
Within the spherical complex, a multi-layered space is organized by means of shells, with a glowing ball as the central element. The composition of the interior sphere reflects the structure of the atom: a glowing ball in the centre of a sphere symbolizes the nucleus, and the shells the orbiting electrons.
The height of the top shell of the sphere is 30 metres from the ground level. Part of the sphere is not heated. One of the central shells embraces a two-way media facade, which works for both the exterior and interior of the pavilion. The rectangular volumes on both sides include two above ground and one underground level. The principal façade materials are: steel, concrete, glass and stone.
For more information, please visit www.cardinramirezjulien.com/fr/realisations/details.php?id=55 and www.rosatomarchcontest2015.ru/eng/.