russian cultural center in kabul ornamented by a.len

russian cultural center in kabul ornamented by a.len
all images courtesy of a.len

after fighting broke out in afghanistan in the 1990s, much of its architectonic landscape was destroyed, including the ‘house of soviet science and culture’ in kabul. a competition was held by the russian federation for a renovation of the 1982 construction. architectural bureau a.len, based in st. petersburg, has submitted a design that was chosen to be realized. the winning scheme respects the existing ruined edifice and the culture and climate of its host nation and built location. in addition, the project received the grand prix of the international contest ‘zodchestvo’ in moscow, and tatlin’s award (one of the most prestigious architectural awards in the federation).

inside the russian center of science and culture

architectonically, the complex consists of several blocks: the cultural center, the sports complex, the covered swimming pool and the inhabited block, also includes such functions as the library, showrooms, the business center with rooms for the international meetings and conferences, cinema, club and multipurpose rooms. the main entrance is accented by the strongly overhanging console, and the volume of the building is minimalist and laconic. in contrast, the core of the cultural center is the courtyard – the atrium which is traditional for many Asian countries. this feature pays tribute to the local climate with a perforated skin that encloses a central oasis. the specific shape and formation of the openings in the facades are composed from a version of the ornamental parametrical drawing, which is created from elements borrowed from the russian traditional ornaments. the drawing is performed as perforation in hinged concrete figured panels.

concrete panels perforated with shapes made after traditional russian ornamentation enclose the indoor oasis

floor plans

sections

site layout plan

plans and perspective sketches

project info:

project title: architectural concept of the russian center of science and culture
client: ministry of foreign affairs of russian federation
architect: architectural bureau a.len
site area: 4179 m2
gross floor area: 6153 m2
location: islamic republic of afghanistan, kabul, nahr-darsan district, the first sector of dar-ul-aman highway

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