Sberbank commissioned Evolution Design to create a representative entrance to two adjoining high-rise towers that are part of Sberbank City, Sberbank’s new campus in Moscow. Evolution Design responded to the brief with a hyperbolic paraboloid form that rises up at either end, enclosing the exterior space between the towers.

Rethinking The Future Awards 2022
First Award | Interiors Retail (Built)

©Peter Wuermli, Ilya Ivanov

Form

One of the challenges of the brief was to create a volume large enough to accommodate all the required functions – efficient entrance facilities for 10,000 employees who work in the two towers, central reception, several restaurants and coffee shops, a conference centre and a large stepped seating – under one roof. The other challenge was that this volume should not compromise daylight into the lower levels of the towers. The dynamic saddle form solves both challenges: An immense, daylight-flooded space has been created that accommodates all the necessary functions, while minimising sunlight obstruction to the offices in the towers.

©Peter Wuermli, Ilya Ivanov

Crowned Entry

Both entrances at either end of the building are crowned in a series of triangulated panels in stainless steel that incline outwards over the squares, like delicate tiaras. This warm-coloured pattern of glass bead blasted and reflective cladding ties the new structure into the ensemble of Sberbank buildings on the campus, which all feature similar cladding material. The glazed façade and the glossy steel crown create playful reflections of pedestrians arriving and leaving the towers and glow up in different shades depending on the daylight.

©Peter Wuermli, Ilya Ivanov

Interiors

The vast, column-free interiors, reaching 24-meter height, are bathed in daylight, with particular attention paid to biophilic design: lush trees, green-walls, hanging gardens and water walls enhance the overall al fresco atmosphere and merge the indoors with outdoors imperceptibly.