Curators of the "Birth of Scale" exposition shared details about the presented objects
"The Birth of Scale" exposition offers guests of the National Centre RUSSIA a glimpse of both realized architectural projects and ideas that remained only on paper. These include unique building models, drawings, and layouts stored in museums and private collections.
A significant contribution to the creation of the exposition was made by the State Research Museum of Architecture named after Alexei Viktorovich Shchusev, which provided models of buildings from different eras, such as the Sukharev Tower.
"We provided materials for almost every section of the exposition. But the most valuable and interesting part is the section dedicated to Russian wooden architecture, avant-garde architecture of the 1920s, and Russian urban planning from its origins to the regular cities of the 18th century. The most valuable items we could offer are the original models from our collection. These are very fragile, beautiful, and valuable materials. We brought about 50 models here, representing the wooden architecture of the Russian North. For example, a very beautiful, expressive model of the Sukharev Tower. One of the most famous landmarks of Moscow, unfortunately lost in 1934. But this model was made in the year when the tower was dismantled. So, this is also an item with a fascinating history," said the museum director, Natalia Shashkova.
In addition to museum exhibits, "The Birth of Scale" exposition features models created specifically for it. These buildings from recent decades are not part of the Museum of Architecture’s collection. As noted by Anatoly Oxenyuk, the curator of three exposition modules and the deputy director for scientific work at the Museum of Architecture, the models particularly attract the attention of visitors. While professionals are interested in complex blueprints, visitors appreciate the opportunity to view architecture in volume — for example, miniature wooden huts.
"Wooden architecture has always been part of the cultural code of our people. We aimed to show that wooden architecture is not only from Karelia and the Arkhangelsk region. In reality, it was widespread throughout Russia, although it has been best preserved in the North. Another part of the exhibition that our museum helped develop is the materials on medieval Russian architecture. We discussed ancient Russian urban planning and showcased examples of reconstructions of what ancient Russian cities and architectural monuments looked like — monuments we can still enjoy today in Vladimir, Yuryev-Polsky, and Pereslavl-Zalessky. We then showed the transition to regular architecture during the reign of Tsar Peter I and Empress Catherine the Great," Anatoly Oxenyuk said.
Architecture enthusiasts of the Soviet era can find miniatures of projects designed to combat natural disasters at "The Birth of Scale" exposition, as shared by historian of modern architecture and curator of four expo modules, Nikolai Vasilyev.
"This section concerns Soviet urban planning and architecture of the 60s and 70s. Soviet architects redesigned and rebuilt Tashkent after the 1966 earthquake, adapting to challenging climatic conditions. The projects of architect Andrei Kosinsky from the 70s are particularly interesting. These were not just pragmatic projects; he proposed a new approach to adapting the forms of folk and national architecture. For a modern city, taking into account the climate and, for example, transportation. He studied folk architecture, such as how the hamam bath works, how homes are cooled without air conditioners, and how to make buildings resistant to earthquakes. For instance, when a building floats in a pool of water. In the central part of the exposition, we present the history of high-rise construction in Russia. The overarching task of architecture is overcoming gravity and all possible limitations," emphasized Nikolai Vasilyev.
The exposition space is divided into several thematic modules, each of which highlights key stages in the development of architecture in Russia. Visitors can view video materials and installations. Special attention is given to the interaction between architecture and art, as well as the creative future: children’s architectural workshops allow young guests to develop their own city projects.
The exposition includes lectures, master classes, and tours that familiarize visitors with the design processes, construction technologies, and innovations in the field of architecture.
This year, Russia officially established a new professional holiday — Architect's Day, which will now be celebrated on the first Monday of July. As noted by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Marat Khusnullin, architects not only shape the appearance of cities but also make them comfortable for living, working, and recreation.
"The Birth of Scale" exposition is open to all visitors free of charge. Additional information and registration for tours are available on the russia.ru website.
The National Centre RUSSIA has unveiled the concept of the new architectural exposition "The Birth of Scale."
