Youth shines at Moscow architecture show

Leading architects from Russia and abroad are presenting their latest ideas at the “Arch-Moscow” festival at the Central House of Artists.

Now in its 14th year, this year’s show focuses not only on design and technology but also construction and ecology.

“Arch-Moscow” is already the number one architectural event in the capital and has earned its high reputation by sticking to its main criteria – selectivity. Only the best works in the field are displayed there.

Traditionally “Arch-Moscow” is not only an exhibition, but also a forum for discussion on the future of architecture.

It comes at a time when much is expected of those supervising city building projects and urban modernization. But current ecological and aesthetical concerns are bringing architects from around the globe together.

Every year the architectural festival gives a chance to the younger generation to step forward. And this year is no exception. The curator, Bart Goldhoorn, has made a special effort to present the work of the best young talent from Russia and overseas at the 14th exhibition.

The organizers have a futuristic approach to technology and stress the importance of thinking ecologically.

However, the festival does not only showcase the ideas of young architects but also displays actual works by established masters.

Maestro’s opinion

One of them, Sergey Skuratov, the head of “Sergey Skuratov architects”, believes this event may have a key influence on some talented young architects. During the exhibition two professional contests for young architects will be held. Three leading Russian architectural schools will present works by their students along with several foreign educational institutions.

RT Photo / Diana El-Bakri

“This exhibition gives young architects a colossal chance, as it’s an international exhibition and people who are involved in this event are capable and intended to shuffle these young people as playing cards, but on an international scale,” Skuratov said.

The contest for young architects, judged by an international jury, could be the turning point in the careers of those who win. “They’ll get involved into an international professional dialogue, and will become interesting not only for major Russian architectural bureaus, seeing them as potential workers, but also will get a chance to get additional education abroad… and gain international experience,” Skuratov said.

Sergey Skuratov has been teaching architecture for six years, but even after quitting University, he says he “never stopped the educating process, as [his] workshop is 80 per cent youth.”

It has been many years since architecture gave birth to a new style or found a new direction; existing styles are evolving slowly, Skuratov says. And certain stresses are made due to geographical, economical, ecological, historical and other backgrounds.

“Different countries put serious challenges connected with ecology and energy saving or utilizing outdated architecture or on the contrary constructing fast-built houses. All flowers flourish, all directions are alive… But good healthy conservatism is the basis of the profession. And slight injections of innovations are always helpful.”

Diana El-Bakri, RT