Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) has designed a large new office building for the Skolkovo Innovation Center in Moscow – which can be considered Russia's version of Silicon Valley, according to the firm. Construction on the project is expected to begin soon.
The Sberbank Technopark was commissioned by state-owned banking firm Sberbank following an architectural competition that also involved Foster + Partners and others. ZHA's winning design (which Hadid herself is credited for co-designing) was initially unveiled back in 2016 before finally getting planning permission just recently.
The building will comprise a considerable 262,000 sq m (2.8 million sq ft) of floorspace and host 17,000 Sberbank employees. It will feature ZHA's usual design language, with a fluid glazed facade, and the interior will include communal spaces, atriums, and offices. Renders depict it being topped by a large glazed roof.
"Home to the bank's divisions that develop, implement and ensure the operation of process solutions and breakthrough technologies, Sberbank Technopark's design evolved from detailed analysis of the varied work processes and arrangements within the bank's technology and marketing departments," says ZHA. "Technopark's design will encourage teams to collaborate and pilot innovations that deliver inventive, high-quality solutions and applications."
ZHA has increased its presence in Russia lately, with the completion of a luxury residence and the unveiling of a huge port project.
Source: ZHA