"The Birth of Scale": an architectural exposition that brought professionals together and inspired the world

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Since its opening on March 1, the large-scale architectural exposition "The Birth of Scale" at the National Centre RUSSIA has welcomed tens of thousands of visitors — from high-ranking representatives of various countries and leading global architects to students and art enthusiasts. The project by the National Centre RUSSIA has become a unique professional platform for generating new ideas and fostering international collaborations. The official closing of the exposition will take place on July 30. Guests of the National Centre are invited to take the opportunity to explore the unique architectural models — from revolutionary 20th-century projects to contemporary masterpieces.

What people are saying about the exposition

The chief curator of the exposition, Andrei Chernikhov, shared the story behind the creation of "The Birth of Scale":

"We were able to bring it to life with the wonderful team at the National Centre RUSSIA in just two months. Several dozen models were made specifically for the exposition, including rare models of Russian skyscrapers designed by students of VKhUTEMAS. We didn’t want to present a history of Russian architecture — we wanted to extract from that history everything that relates to the great eras, when great projects were born. When the installation began, I truly felt the power of its scale," noted Andrei Chernikhov. 

The Minister of Education of Abkhazia, Inal Gablia, shared that the ideas presented at "The Birth of Scale" inspired him to develop a project for a future children's camp that will be created in Abkhazia with support from Russia:

"This is my second time visiting 'The Birth of Scale.' It’s a wonderful exposition featuring models of interesting buildings and structures in Moscow and other Russian regions. I’m gathering ideas, as we have many projects related to the creation of educational spaces. We have an agreement with the Russian Minister of Education, Sergei Kravtsov, to establish a children's camp in Abkhazia modelled after Artek. And it’s exactly these kinds of interesting structural solutions that we plan to implement," explained Inal Gablia. 

The exposition "The Birth of Scale" left a strong impression on Nitaya Kanokmongkol, Director of the National Museums of Thailand.

"It was especially interesting to learn how contemporary architects draw inspiration from both ancient traditions and Soviet-era projects — even those that were never realised. I also discovered that Soviet architecture developed differently across the various regions of the country. The exposition helped me gain a deeper understanding of the character and evolution of Russian architecture, from its roots to the present day," concluded Nitaya Kanokmongkol.

Urban planner and founder of the architecture bureau Elle Architecture, Soumia Masmoudi from Senegal, noted that what impressed her most at the exposition was the craftsmanship of the builders and the remarkable preservation of wooden structures:

"Wood is usually considered a short-lived material, but the forms that these craftsmen were able to create from it — and the fact that these structures have survived to this day — is both surprising and admirable," said Soumia Masmoudi. 

Architectural historian, tour guide, head of the educational company "Through the Eyes of an Engineer," and Chairman of the Interregional Union of Tour Guides, Airat Bagautdinov, was astonished by the sheer number of models that make up the exposition:

"I’ve hardly missed a single architectural exposition in Moscow over the past ten years. And I can’t recall ever seeing this many items on display. Models have been provided by the Museum of Architecture, and there are also new works I’ve never seen before — for example, projects by architect Kosinsky, who moved to Uzbekistan after the 1966 earthquake. I especially remember the wonderful concept of a floating house and a bathhouse-hammam," said Airat Bagautdinov. 

In his view, the mission of the National Centre RUSSIA is to create expositions that not only spark interest within the professional community but are also accessible to the general public.

"The Birth of Scale" exposition has proven that true architecture speaks a universal language — one that resonates with both professionals and the wider audience. Its closing on 30 July will not mark the end, but rather a new point of departure in Russia’s architectural dialogue with the global community.

 "The Birth of Scale" exposition is open to visitors until 15:00 on July 30 by prior registration on the website of the National Centre RUSSIA. Detailed information on the final day's programme is available in the "Events" section.