BOLSHOY GOSTINY DVOR, A MULTIFUNCTIONAL COMPLEX

Authors of the project:

Architects: N. I. Yawein, A. P. Kosharny (Studio 44 Architects); S. I. Aksyonov, A. M. Berzing, A. V. Voronov, G. S. Snezhkin, I. V. Spiridonov (LES Architects Studio)

The project of regenerating the inner part of the Bolshoy Gostiny Dvor (1761-1785, architect Jean-Baptiste Vallin de la Mothe) involves the reconstruction of the original unique structure of the historic building. Originally, there were two rings of shopping galleries, their overall length exceeding 1 km. There were a total of 294 shops: 147 both in the outer and in the inner ring. The shops of the outer ring sold retail goods; the inner ring was for wholesale trade, and the top floors were used for storage purposes.

Our project involves placing large public functions, such as a multiplex, a drama studio, an arts and crafts market, and exhibition spaces, in the inner ring, which has endured a number of previous reconstructions. The street between the outer and the inner rings will once again become a fully functional shopping gallery. Underground, there will be a traffic road and a visitors’ parking lot. The outer ring, once again, will be made up of separate shops with private entrances on either side, both facing the avenue and the inner street. The core of the complex will be taken up by the Private Garden, a series of various landscape compositions. The garden is aimed at compensating for the lack of green spaces in the centre of the megalopolis.

Total area: 119 000 sq.m