Pharmaceutical HQ / Architects of Invention – 【Architectural CAD Drawings】

Architects: Architects of Invention
Location: Moscow, Russia
Area: 7000.0 m2
Project Year: 2017

Moscow Executive Team: Michael Eichner, Carmen Gallano, Magdalini Giannakidi, Petras Isora, Ivane Ksnelashvili, Daniel Lareau, Davit Tsanava, Nikita Tsymbal
Lead London Team: Nikoloz Japaridze, Anton Khmelnitskiy
Interior (Common Areas): Architects of Invention
Structural Engineer: Engenuiti, Fioravanti
M&E Engineer: Fioravanti
Main Contractor: Glaskek
Execution & Site Supervision: Architects of Invention
Finish Exterior: Schuco Glass Systems Profile UCC 65 SG
Construction Cost: $20MM ($2,850/m2)
Client: Insigma Development
Cad Software Used: AutoCad, Skecthup

Text description provided by the architects. The building is located on a very tight site, surrounded by residential blocks, a music school and nursery in Moscow’s historic city centre, off Arbat Street, the main, pedestrianized shopping street which runs for almost one kilometre through the city. AI’s work involved the complete demolition of an existing 4-storey office block, replacing it with a new 7-storey office building with a single level underground car park and public space at the base of the building.

The site boundary defined the shape of the building in plan, suggesting two rectilinear volumes – that are merged with an angular rotation and served by a common lift – as the most practical use of the space. The façade responds to and emphasises the meeting point of the two blocks with an altered, diagonal rhythm of the Jura marble fins that cover the building. The window panels are recessed from the fins by 40cm to give privacy and deflect solar glare.

The different heights of the buildings’ volumes create an interesting visual tension, as well as ensuring observation of local rights of light and showing sensitivity to local context in terms of the surrounding buildings. Thus the 7-storey volume responds to the higher blocks behind it, while the lower invites access via the courtyard, drawing attention to the entrance as there is no direct street access. Sunken terraces to the east and the west of the building can be accessed from the lobby.