Visual identity of the country: the second day of the "Architectural Hackathon" held at the National Centre RUSSIA

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On July 17, the second day of the large-scale "Architectural Hackathon" took place at the National Centre RUSSIA. The key event of the day was the panel discussion "Architectural and urban identity of Russia: the role of society, business, and the state in shaping the visual code." The discussion brought together young architects and students from Russia’s architectural universities.

The "Architectural Hackathon" began at the National Centre RUSSIA on July 16. It is being held in cooperation with the Government of the Donetsk People's Republic.

 During the panel discussion, experts explored how to create a unique and appealing visual identity for the country, establish dialogue between society and business, and develop mechanisms for implementing projects aimed at preserving cultural legacy and forming an architectural style that future generations can be proud of.

Alexei Raskhodchikov, Chairman of the Board of the Centre for Urban Studies "City," gave a presentation highlighting the significant impact of architecture, natural landscapes and symbolic locations on city residents, each time shaping a unique identity.

"I would like to emphasise nine key factors of social development, including the development of cities' social potential: neighbourhood interaction, public spaces, healthy lifestyles, barrier-free environments, historical surroundings, quality education, demographics, urban safety, and cultural facilities," said Alexei Raskhodchikov.

Diana Kodzokova, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Urban and Regional Development at the Higher School of Economics, presented the findings of a sociological study on national architecture. 

"Russia is situated within the context of global architectural trends. Moscow is at the forefront, creating landmark buildings and being the first to adopt global trends. The regions, more often, are focused on preserving and reinterpreting their past, and on creating unique environments based on local experience. A process of mutual so-called 'cross-pollination' is underway: the regions adopt trends from the capital and reinterpret them through a local lens, while Moscow draws inspiration from the regional diversity," explained Diana Kodzokova.

When asked what national architecture might be, the speaker responded that it conveys the cultural and social meanings of its era, cannot ignore international trends, draws on the best global practices, may be shaped not by standard solutions but by unique objects and/or a comprehensive approach, and is supported by a clear demand from an "enlightened" client with whom the architectural community is in dialogue.

She also added that national architecture reflects — rather than creates — values, cannot exist outside the local context, must be based on unified standards of urban quality rather than standardised visual solutions, and is formed by a consolidated architectural community.

Vladislav Preobrazhensky, Executive Director of the Moscow Investors' Club, emphasised that a favourable and comfortable urban environment is an integral part of Russia’s urban identity. 

"When it comes to creating such conditions, it is important to consider not only the architectural and visual aspects of the projects, but also a range of managerial and regulatory issues. Overcoming them can make life easier. For example, the Investors’ Club has taken the initiative to establish a legal definition for multi-apartment residential complexes (MZhK) and to organise property relations between built-in or attached kindergartens and apartment owners in multi-storey buildings," explained Vladislav Preobrazhensky.

In turn, Ivan Kashkin, CEO of COLDY, noted that developers are genuinely interested in projects aimed at reflecting Russian identity in architecture. As an example, he spoke about plans to build the first playground in Russia designed in the style of Dymkovo toys.

"As an active member of the Moscow Investors Club and a company that prioritises a responsible and socially oriented business approach, we are pleased to take part in such an important project. Given the annually increasing scale and pace of construction, as well as the comprehensive approach to territorial development, I believe that architecture can and should evoke a strong positive association with national identity," said Ivan Kashkin.

The main goal of the "Architectural Hackathon" is to engage young professionals in the development and creation of modern architectural solutions aimed at shaping a new image for historical territories. 

As part of the three-day educational programme for aspiring architects, lectures are being held on working with neural networks and small architectural forms, workshops on creating 3D models and lighting for park environments, and other activities.

The theme of the hackathon is "The cultural code of historical regions through park environments." Over 70 students from architecture universities and departments across Russia are developing park revitalisation projects and concepts for a visual code that conveys the spirit and atmosphere of each historical region of the country.

On the first day, July 16, workshops began at the National Centre RUSSIA, where students are designing models of small architectural forms. The practical sessions are led by Alexander Kazachenko, member of the Union of Architects of Russia and founder of the architectural studio DO buro.

The results of their work will be presented at an exposition featuring graphic materials — visualisations, diagrams, hand drawings — as well as models of the proposed park design solutions. The exposition will open on July 18.

The overall result of the hackathon will be four catalogues (one for each historical region — the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, and the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions), containing landscape and visual analyses of cities and building morphotypes, students’ proposals for small architectural forms based on the developed visual code of the regions, and detailed park projects designed by the participants.

The key event of the business programme on July 18 is the panel discussion "Russia of the future: visual code and architectural legacy."