New Center for Conteporary Arts, the award-winning international office AND-RÈ presents their competition proposal for the New Centre of Contemporary Arts in Moscow. The architects’ modus operandi involves the questioning and understanding of topics of the contemporary scene. This is yet reflected in their competition proposal through the notion of art and its existential symbolism in society and for society. Their outcome is derived in an attractive architectural form where it represents more than an art institution and is aimed to preserve the correlation between art and future as a main function.
Courtesy of AND-RÉ.
In terms of building usage, the identity of the centre function as a seducting, shaping and emotion evoking environment visitors would be attracted to. It therefore enhances the meaning of art’s essential purpose – to engage, reflect and interact, provoke questions and redeem artistic expressions of identity in return. The proposal is divided into three levels each with its own specific function but when brought together, the three levels communicate a sense of art’s multidimensional identity. Level 1 is the exterior – a sleek and slender glazed structure with intricate curtain walling and elegant usage of glass and steel.
Courtesy of AND-RÉ.
The shape of the exterior is what provokes and attracts visitors to further explore. So the physical transparency of the building is transformed into a metaphor for ‘a glimpse of its inner organization’. This leads to Level 2 – the transition and continuation from the exterior and the surrounding environment to the interior, habitual space. This level promotes for a multi-purpose usage: it is both open and spacious, offering much natural light to penetrate it. Hence, it offers good conditions for stimulated social interaction and relations building. It offers good conditions for exhibitions and performances, or it could just be accommodated one essential need – the free circulation and transition of the visitor.
Courtesy of AND-RÉ.
In this way, Level 2 offers an immediate contact and relationship between visitors and the art exhibited. Level 3 is the kernel of the centre, where architectural solids are defined in a rational and functional way. This is how the whole system of exhibiting and viewing is organized and the interior solids are also connected to the whole of the interior of the building and its exterior glazing shell [respectively, Level 2 and Level 1].
Project info:
Architecture: AND-RÉ
Country: Russia, Moscow
Year: 2013
Photographs: Courtesy of AND-RÉ
Promoter: The Ministry of Culture of Russian Federation
Scope: Competition Proposal
Area: 46,500 m2
Team: Bruno André / Francisco Salgado Ré // Catarina Fernandes / Fernando Ferreira / Filipe Paixão
Anastasia Andreieva is an accomplished Architectural Projects Editor at Arch2O, bringing a unique blend of linguistic expertise and design enthusiasm to the team. Born and raised in Ukraine, she holds a Master’s degree in Languages from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Her deep passion for architecture and visual storytelling led her to transition from translation and editorial roles into the world of design media. With a keen eye for conceptual clarity and narrative structure, Anastasia curates and presents global architectural projects with precision and flair. She is particularly drawn to parametric and digital design, cultural context, and emerging voices in architecture. When I’m not analyzing the latest architectural trends, you’ll probably find me searching for hidden gems in cityscapes or appreciating the beauty of well-crafted spaces. After all, great design—like great connections—can be found in the most unexpected places. Speaking of connections, because architecture isn’t the only thing that brings people together.