Record-breaking preparation time: Andrei Chernikhov gave a final tour of "The Birth of Scale" exposition
On July 30, the final tour of the large-scale architectural exposition "The Birth of Scale" took place at the National Centre RUSSIA. The tour for international architects was led by architect and chief curator of the exposition, Professor of the International Academy of Architecture Andrei Chernikhov.
As part of the business programme marking the conclusion of the exposition, expert discussions were held where leading industry specialists discussed current challenges, trends and prospects in contemporary urban planning.
The distinguished guests and participants of the final tour included:
- Walid Arafa, founder of Dar Arafa Architecture (Egypt);
- Rajendra Kumar, Director of the School of Architecture at Lovely Professional University (India);
- Nadia Tromp, founding director of Ntsika Architects (South Africa);
- Alireza Taghaboni, founder of Next Office (Iran).
Over the course of the exposition, thousands of visitors were able to trace the evolution of Russian architecture — from traditional wooden construction to contemporary urban design solutions.
Andrei Chernikhov shared unique details about the creation of the exposition:
"The exposition covers 2,000 sq. m and features two main types of displays — architectural models and facsimile copies of architectural drawings. We began working on the layout in late November, and the contract was signed at the end of December. In fact, the entire exposition was created in just one and a half months — an incredibly short period. When everything was ready, I could hardly believe what we had achieved. It was truly a record. To realise the project, about 70 entirely new models were produced by 17 model-making workshops in Moscow and St Petersburg, all working exclusively on our orders. Artifacts were also provided by museums and private collectors."
During the tour, international guests explored the rich legacy of Russian architecture: from wooden constructions to urban ensembles of Moscow and St Petersburg, from the groundbreaking designs of Melnikov and Zholtovsky to Soviet modernism.
The architectural models of the seven Stalin-era skyscrapers made the strongest impression on foreign architects. Many expressed a desire to see these architectural masterpieces in person.
"The Birth of Scale" exposition became a landmark event for both the cultural and professional communities, bringing together leading architects, planners, designers, students, and all admirers of Russian architectural art.
The official closing ceremony of "The Birth of Scale" exposition will begin at 18:00 at the National Centre RUSSIA. Full information is available on the official website of the National Centre RUSSIA.
