Moscow’s ‘The Birth of Scale’ Exhibition Celebrates Russian Architecture, Draws International Attention
Tens of thousands of visitors, including international experts, explored urban planning and architectural fervor at the ‘The Birth of Scale’ exhibition in Moscow, which drew to a close at the National Centre RUSSIA. The exhibition, a glowing tribute to Russia’s architectural legacy, aimed to acquaint the public with the country’s architectural achievements spanning centuries.
Immerse yourself in ‘The Birth of Scale’
Spanning several months, the exposition was visited by tens of thousands, amidst 70 unique architectural models showcasing Russia’s architectural evolution. Curator Andrey Chernikhov expressed delight at the exhibit’s success, stating, “The outcome was…a revelation of what architecture truly is, and who these people – architects – are, who for a thousand years have been shaping our country… So many people said they learned for the first time what architecture is and how amazing it is in our country.”
The exhibition, completed in a remarkable two months, featured remarkable set designers, curators, and teams from the National Centre RUSSIA. Divided into thematic modules, each model eloquently narrated tales of engineering prowess, aesthetic wonder, and the pursuit of architectural excellence. Some showcased projects, like the never-realized and those encapsulated in time, offered a glimpse into the architects’ innovative thought processes.
International perspectives and future forecasts
International architects graced the event with their presence, fostering dialogue and cross-cultural exchange. Indian architect Rajendra Kumar, Director of Lovely Professional University’s School of Architecture and Design, stressed the importance of heritage and traditions, economic feasibility, and environmental considerations in modern architecture.
The final day’s panel discussion, ‘Architecture of the Future: Trends and Forecasts for 2050,’ discussed industry trends, challenges, and prospects. Architectural pioneers, including Nadia Tromp of Ntsika Architects, highlighted the growing influence of artificial intelligence on architecture and society. Meanwhile, Walid Arafa of Dar Arafa Architecture advocated combining new technologies with traditional wisdom to create more sustainable, rational, and inclusive designs.
Celebrating architecture and nurturing talent
The exhibition’s closing ceremony recognized young architectural talent through the ‘Creative Hub’ competition, with laureates from Krasnoyarsk, Murmansk, and Naryan-Mar each receiving a portion of the 990,000 ruble prize pool. Natalia Shashkova, Director of the Shchusev Museum of Architecture, reinforced the profound impact of architecture on society and culture, asserting, “Architecture is the only form of art that we cannot avoid… It influences the shaping of future generations.”
