Design concept for the Residence of Composers

The Residence of Composers is a living space on Paveletskaya Embankment. Built around a 19th century factory, it looks like a giant open-air loft. It has everything one might need: shops, banks, restaurants, fitness clubs, spas, childcare facilities — even an amphitheater with a swimming pool. This truly beautiful design was conceived at the studio.

Identity

A design for a living space inspired by composers should be informed by music. We took sheet music and turned the notes into images to create a dynamic pattern that sits at the very heart of the space’s identity.

Surroundings

The architectural design is complemented by some very beautiful street furniture. Street lamps, flower pots, and fences are made from Corten steel sheets with patterned perforations. It’s worth visiting this site just to admire its ability to marry simple forms with rough materials and elegant styling.

The theme of music is also stitched through the building’s pathways. Pavements are decorated with metal inlays.

The recreation areas and children’s playgrounds also resonate with the theme of music. Benches are made from piano keyboards and guitar necks. Canopies in the shape of guitar picks shelter residents from rain.

Entrance spaces

Since this space is all about composers, entrances to the buildings are adorned by their portraits. They serve as navigation elements (“come over for tea, we live in Tchaikovsky!”), and add to the overall design concept.

Backlit building numbers placed against walls ensure that even if you don’t recognize the faces of famous composers, you can find the building you’re looking for — even in the dark.

Halls

The composer theme is carried through to the interiors as well. Decorated wall panels and reception areas draw residents and visitors into the buildings.

Embankment plaza

The most open part of the site is the plaza on Paveletskaya Embankment. Its centrepiece is a piece of metal sculpted into a sound wave.

Outdoor cafés are protected from rain and snow by intricate glass roofs, so that one can enjoy a drink al fresco — whatever the weather. Each roof is decorated with the corporate pattern applied by sandblast printing.

Playground

The playground is filled with musical instruments. Playing music outside is a great way to get some practice — and a bit of exercise at the same time.

Music in stone

Small abstract sculptures symbolizing the works of the greatest composers are dotted around the grounds.

Sculptures arc the swimming pool, evoking the bending of strings and musical waves. They can even be turned into fountains.

A stage for concerts and other events floats above the water. Waves on the water, in the arches, in the music — stunning!

The stage doesn’t touch the water’s surface, so the pool can be frozen over to form an ice rink during the winter. With a Christmas tree on the stage and lights on the arches, the place looks just like a winter fairytale.