Ukraina Hotel Entryway

ABD architects - architectural company, has been successfully operating on the Russian market since 1991 and conducts its activities in three leading areas: architectural design, interior design and consulting services. The company has split the department of architecture and interior design department, allowing the fullest extent to cover the entire market for architectural services. ABD architects are taking part in the competition together with Werner Sobek Moskwa, that works on all types of buildings and materials; special emphasis lies on lightweight structural design, transparent facade systems, and sustainable building concepts.

Architectural concept
The entrance portico of the Ukraina hotel, with four double massive columns and monumental doors is original and is one of the most important elements of the facade of the building. Therefore, the main task of an architectural proposal for an entry canopy was the creation of an structure which would not make a negative impact on the façade and also wouldn’t violate the compositional structure of the building. In our view, the architecture of the new structure should be neutral, visually light and should not engage in a dialogue with the building.

The awning over the entrance, designed in the form of rectangular plate, or ‘blade’, covers
the entrance area and access ramps. It is free of visible support which visually lightens the structure, making it weightless. As it is planned that the canopy be equipped with a constantly illuminated inner surface, it will be perceived as a large rectangular, though extremely thin lamp, hovering in the air.

The extended scaling facade line of the canopy emphasizes the rhythm of horizontal divisions of the building’s facade. The Structure of the awning is formed by the system of cross- shaped trusses connected with steel beams (working on compression) built into the existing columns and fixed with steel braces located between the pylons at the outer wall of the portico. The supporting vertical structures are based on the existing foundations. The lower surface of the canopy is filled with light boxes and built-in LED strips that provide uniform illumination of the entire surface. It is proposed that the territory along the main entrance is cleared of cars, and for these areas to be covered with lawns and squares.