Design concept for the Residence of Composers

Overview
Task: to design appearance of a residential complex.

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.

composers pattern 1
composers pattern 2
Notes on a stave decorate the building

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.

composers maf
Street furniture

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

composers stones
Notes in stone

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.

composers nature
Music and nature

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.

composers portrait
Classic portraits

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.

composers hall
composers square

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.

composers square 3
composers square 4

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.

composers naves
composers naves 2
composers children 1

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.

composers children 2
Home orchestra
composers music 1

Music in stone

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

composers music 2


composers music 3


composers amphitheatre 1

Amphitheater

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

composers amphitheatre 3

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

composers amphitheatre 4

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.

composers amphitheatre 5

artistic director

art director

technical designer

typesetter

illustrator

project manager

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