Interviews with Polina Nozdracheva

The most important persons of my education and my teachers were my parents, especially - my father who was very famous architect who constructed a lot of building in Russia and abroad. I have got the very good education in my country (in Russia), then - in Great Britain and in the Netherlands. For me the most impressive is urban planning and I am like the fairy who should create this magic story.

The most important words for each architect are benefit, durability, beauty. But, of course, for me is the most important - the general idea, maybe a little bit crazy thoughts in my head. That is a very intimate process. Then, and that is also very important - the place where the future project or existing project will be built or rebuilt. And I don't like decoration, I prefer the functionalism. That is like a puzzle for finding the best solution and I had to find this key for answer from the first dot to the final line.

It is always exciting, regardless - you are only at the beginning of the journey or are already approaching the completion of construction. Of course, if all that was conceived in the project is fully implemented - this is a special feeling of happiness about the work done.

I like the topic of color and I believe that color should be present in the project (no matter it is a town - planning project, an architectural project or an interior design element). Here I always admire Impressionists; their work is very inspiring to me. With color, you can create a completely unexpected sense of shape and space. As for the perception of form, Constructivism have no equal. As for urban development projects, these are Japanese theme for me.

I would like to create a City. This is a completely unique and complete structure at its core. Here everything is completely and thoughtfully, like all life on the planet. I guess this topic is the maximum set of the most complex and diverse tasks for an architect.

It is necessary to work. As much as it is possible. And greedily grab everything that gives you a profession - experience, emotions, knowledge.

We had to follow our thoughts and feelings. Work together and respect the work of people who are on the same team with you.

The best part is this is when work is carried out jointly by all specialists on any project. When all breathe the same air and when the vector of thoughts focused and pointed in one direction.

I am sure it is necessary to develop your own style. And such individualism can be worked out only at infinite saturation of information which is at the moment possible on the Internet or traveling.

I would like to answer one more time - the benefit (functionality), the durability (constructive and engineering) and the beauty (architecture and design).

The realization that the project documentation is transferred to the construction site does not allow me and my colleagues to have the right to make a mistake. Of course, we always want to reach the final result to shining. The biggest critic of an object is the author, i.e. the chief architect. With each new object, the architect learns something new and unknown, moving forward.

It is process. Each new project is like a new life with the own soul and individualism. The most significant projects for me are those projects where the work is carried out from the original concept of the site, further-the development of urban planning documentation in full, then the design of buildings themselves until this project comes to life. When urban planning, architecture and design live together, not in isolation, when all these components are as a single organism. We have quite a lot of such projects.

There are a lot of brilliant people and creators. And each of them corresponds to the own era or period.

There are many beautiful cities. For me, the most important thing is the availability of water in the city (waterfront). This is the place where there is a feeling of freedom. Music - of course jazz, because it is this music that reflects emotions absolutely freely without any conventions. When you come up with a project, you are also completely free, your thoughts and fantasies freely fall on a sheet of paper.

Any architect cannot work alone. This is not a profession that can afford it. The designing is always a collective work of a very large number of specialists.

I'm always open for carrying out workshops, master-classes and lectures. And I do it with great pleasure, both in Russia and abroad. I have quite a lot of experience in this field. In addition, I have experience during 15 years as a lecturer of Moscow Architectural Institute, Russia.

The organization and holding of the contest is a very correct event. Especially-if this competition allows you to submit the project, not on the stated topic. Participation in such events is very important from a professional point of view. The exchange of experience and present their ideas to colleagues and professionals at the highest international level allows to assess and to feel the areas in which you, as a professional, I want to move on. And, it is even better if your projects are appreciated.

Creation single architectural &spatial project image that is unites all buildings &simultaneously reveals functional identity of each.Central block as core of entire structure does not only because of its position, but due to drawing of details and silhouette.Color scheme is close to natural one,limited by wooden shades. Emerald-grey pitched roofs echo greenery of surrounding emerald forest.Interiors continue idea of wooden facade structures,adjusting elements scale to be more proportionate human.

The biggest reward for an architect is to see how the project he created lives and functions.

Working process lasted almost four years.
The project started in 2017.
Expert conclusion: December 2018 and July 2019.
The construction is started in December 2018 and was finished at the begining of January 2021.

The Client liked our concept and this idea was chosen for further development and implementation.

It's impossible. The project is unique and cannot be reused. The copyright for this project is registered in the national register of intellectual property.

It is very simple. The Client's order for the development of project documentation of the object with such functional purpose.

This is a team of professionals who work at ALPN Ltd.

This project was doing for ALPN Ltd. The contract between ALPN Ltd. and the Client is closed information.

This architectural concept is unique, has a very strong philosophical meaning of each developed element, which are associated with the urban planning concept and complex functionality.

The architectural concept itself suggested the name of the complex. And then - the name of the complex helped to create unique architectural elements and details.

Main requirement is environmental friendliness. Such determined choice of main construction material-wood. Task is to connect large-span glued wooden structures with original & non-repeating design of each of six blocks.

Functionality of complex is reflected into urban and architecture. Extended facades of arenas and stables directed to central composite core as administrative block. Six-sided case-precious emerald rests in golden setting-necklace. Wall's triangles ornament scattering of bright pieces of glass into kaleidoscope. When approaching it turns into crystal. Inside of crystal structure of facade grid the environment is perceived through transparent scale.

Working on such a large project is always the work of a large team of professionals, where the architect always plays the main role.

Main requirement is environmental friendliness. Such determined choice of main construction material-wood. Task is to connect large-span glued wooden structures with original & non-repeating design of each of six blocks. As conclusion is creation of unique spectacular image of entire complex, which "plays" with faces like emerald. Composition center - 2-stories administrative block with maximum use of wooden material of main load-bearing structures, facade ornament & decorative elements.

I draw all the ideas for creating an architectural project from the environment, being inspired by the natural environment of which we are a part. Here, too, the main conceptual line is the emerald and the structure of this precious material.

The biggest problem for any architect is that the implementation of the project and its construction according to the design documentation developed in all details should be carried out without optimization, losses and simplification of the originally conceived architectural idea.

This is not the first time I have participated in this competition. It is pleasure for me to show our projects, which are the part of my life, to professionals from all over the world.

An architect is a profession that you have been studying all your life. With each new project, you will master this profession more and more and learn more about the meaning of life and the beauty of the world around us.

Thanks for your questions. The list of questions allowed me to tell about this project EMERALD in as much detail as possible.

Uniqueness of object predetermined depth and thoroughness of pre-project research. Features of landscape and climatic conditions of design region are studied in detail. This made it possible, using modern technologies and materials, to achieve greater energy efficiency of the building in complex structure. Selected solutions allow to observe the optimal humidity and temperature conditions in Riding arena for equestrian sports, including in winter, which is extremely important for project area.

The biggest reward for an architect is to see how the project he created lives and functions.

The working process lasted almost four years. The project started in 2017. Expert conclusion: December 2018 and July 2019. The construction is started in December 2018 and was finished at the begining of January 2021.

The Client liked our concept and this idea was chosen for further development and implementation.

It's impossible. The project is unique and cannot be reused. The copyright for this project is registered in the national register of intellectual property.

It is very simple. The Client's order for the development of project documentation of the object with such functional purpose.

This is a team of professionals who work at ALPN Ltd.

This project was doing for ALPN Ltd. The contract between ALPN Ltd. and the Client is closed information.

This architectural concept is unique, has a very strong philosophical meaning of each developed element, which are associated with the urban planning concept and complex functionality.

Arena is main building of equestrian complex, example of organic connection of several functions: sport, technological, recreational & representative. Rectangular parallelepiped, completed with traditional gable roof, resembles the main ancient monument-temple.

Smooth lines of constructional elements from glued wood define create prime structural silhouette & set basic rhythmic concept of interior space. Glazed facades integrate internal & external spaces; massive roof like hovers above ground.

Most important project task is creation expressive architectural & spatial image, operating of technologically limited. Use of rhythm, drawing of details simple but expressive silhouette of structure create impression of voluminous and majestic structure. Color scheme is as close to natural as possible, limited to shades of golden wood. Emerald-gray roof slopes echo surrounding greenery. Interiors continue topic of wooden facade structures, using scale of elements to more proportionate human one.

Working on such a large project is always the work of a large team of professionals, where the architect always plays the main role.

Prime requirement is environmental friendliness. This determined the choice of main building material-wood for all structural elements, facades and details. Task is to connect large-span glued wooden structures with equestrian technology. Combination of traditional material for structural elements with original lines and details of the wooden facades creates a unique and memorable spectacular image. Concrete is only used for foundations and exterior staircases (due to fire safety regulations).

I draw all the ideas for creating an architectural project from the environment, being inspired by the natural environment of which we are a part. Here, too, the main conceptual line is the emerald and the structure of this precious material.

The biggest problem for any architect is that the implementation of the project and its construction according to the design documentation developed in all details should be carried out without optimization, losses and simplification of the originally conceived architectural idea.

This is not the first time I have participated in this competition. It is pleasure for me to show our projects, which are the part of my life, to professionals from all over the world.

An architect is a profession that you have been studying all your life. With each new project, you will master this profession more and more and learn more about the meaning of life and the beauty of the world around us.

Thanks for your questions. The list of questions allowed me to tell about this project EMERALD in as much detail as possible.

Conditions of construction on the territory of the object of cultural heritage excludes the possibility of construction of capital buildings and structures. This determined the overall architectural-spatial and constructive solution of the equestrian pavilion. The choice made in favor of creating a spatial structure of environmental and renewable materials.

The future plan for this award winning design is building of it.

Several mouths.

This project was ordered.

This question is for design element (lamp, furniture etc.), but not for architectural project. Architectural project is always unique.

The idea and several symbols of this very specific place. The construction site is part of the VDNH (all-Russian exhibition of achievements of the national economy) – the object of cultural heritage and protected by cultural zone.

Only natural elements such as ears of wheat or rye influenced the creation of this architectural project.

This architectural concept is unique, has a very strong philosophical meaning of each developed element, which are associated with the historical territory for construction.

The name of the project is associated with the main elements of the facades, which resemble a field with ears of wheat or oats.

Study of natural elements - ears.

Creating a field of wheat ears or rye in the form of an architectural element in the urban structure of the city.

With the specialists of the ALPN Ltd.

Designing equestrian complex (club or pavilion) is always primarily a technology that is inextricably linked with the architecture and structure.

The design preceded by a stage of creative research. A considerable amount of information illustrating the history of the construction site studied. Significant urban area of the city. The first buildings appeared on this site in 1937-39 as part of a large urban complex of the all-Union Agricultural Exhibition (VSHV).

The construction site is part of the VDNH – object of cultural heritage and protected cultural zone. This severely limited the choice of structural structure and spatial solution.

It is not the first time of my participation in this competition. And I was invited to be a part of this event again.

The profession of an architect is a profession that you learn all your life. With each new project you will learn this profession more and know the meaning of life deeper.

Everything is OK. Thanks.

Architectural composition of the object is characterized by its particular function and natural environment. In the conditions dictated by strict and very specific regulatory requirements, the author of the concept lacked the possibility to freely manipulate the free volumes. Therefore, the color was selected as the primary means of expression. The main idea has been realized through the facade rhythmically organized geometric decor.
The object is perceived as a contrast object in relation to the natural environment, and structuring the monotonous landscape, it assigns him the role of the natural background. It seems as if someone had spread the colorful homespun mat on the ground. The huge glass planes work on the contrasts, emphasizing the arches end facades and connecting the interior with the exterior together.

The very participation and, even more so - an award in such a prestigious international competition for the company - it is a confirmation of professionalism and a sign of quality of our works, it’s a great achievement and a significant step forward for the whole team. That is a good opportunity for new projects for a world.

First stage (general plan) - 2005-2007,
Second stage (main building of the complex) - 2007-2009,
Third stage (infrastructure) - 2013-2015.

It was the client order to design such functional complex who is the professional sportsmen (rider).

This project is already built and, of course, we were involved at the construction process with project following. This project is unique and we can not to do the copy of it. But some technological aspects are useful in the other projects with such functional goal.

Equitorus designed and built according to customer under the contract.

For the main indoor arena used long-span wooden structures from glued wood.

Equestrian center built for professional horse riders in Olympic sports, and also for fans who are interested in horses come to ride horses and spend time with the whole family.

Speaking of stables, in my head the image appears quite utilitarian object for agricultural purposes. This example is really a multi-functional sustainable equestrian sports complex, where the architectural design reveals a completely different theme of design and construction of equestrian facilities, identifying the uniqueness of such structures.

The title of the complex was creating the client. Everything is very simple. EquitoRus means the following: "Equi" - part of the word equestrian, "toRus" - means "for Russia".

Because the object is directly connected with technology, it takes much time to thoroughly study this matter, taking into account the technological and sustainable aspects of the creation of such unique complexes.

The idea is giving an emotionally saturated image for a purely utilitarian object.

A very big help in creating this project was the customer, since she is himself a professional athlete equestrian sport. So the category of "Technology" directly discussed, decided and approved with the customer.
It is also very productive work has been with a specialized company for designing and construction of long-span structures from laminated timber.

Section "Technology" - is the main topic for such project (meaning - equestrian complex). Technological issues needed to be addressed at the stage of urban design development and the design of the complex and further - to create all interior parts.

Geo-technical investigations, engineering and design calculations, environmental studies and sustainability were performed within the framework of the development and construction of Equitorus.

Initially the biggest issue was the study of the topic in order to create an object that will meet all international requirements for construction and operation of the equestrian center.

I was invited to participate in the contest official letter from your organization after awarding this project as Leisure Architecture in Great Britain.

Extensive experience in design and construction of these unique objects ranging from a town-planning concept of the development master plan, construction of specialized buildings and equipment specialized equipment with all engineering and technological requirements. Today in the corporate portfolio ALPN is more than 20 of such facilities.

The key areas of activity and socio-occupational importance to design and implement Equestrian Center Equitorus were realized and, I guess, quite successful. Today Equitorus is one of the most popular equestrian sport complexes in Russia, where at the highest professional level competitions year round, including in the Olympic disciplines.

I like to be architect and urban planner. I guess that a happy person is the one who has a passion (or hobby) is the profession itself. I suppose that I am one of those people.

Of course, it was my decision to become an architect.

Multi-functional and urban design complexes.

To work as much as you can. To try new possibility in constructions, materials, technologies.

For me there is no such gradation of good or great architect. So as an architect is a mission and a calling.

Based on personal professional experience and impressions.

Investments, if they are, they are always and must be invested only in the good project.

In one sentence it is difficult to describe.

My dream is to make a large urban development area on the seashore.

An innate sense of beauty and hard work.

Santiago Calatrava, Renzo Piano, James Wines, Jean Nouvel and many others.

Such projects quite a lot. I like russian construktivizm, etc.

Each project is unigue. And each project should be the best if we are working.

You have a lot to look around, to explore, to learn. Actually, I think that the architect's profession is such a profession where lifelong learning, improving and evolving.

I guess I would become an architect with a musical education.

For me, the Architecture is my life.

My parents - my father and my mother, who are architects as well.

My immense love for this profession.

There are no obstacles if there is a favorite thing and an idea.

Definitely.

My company works in parallel on several projects.

To make the world a little better.

Honesty in the profession.

Very simple, because humanity is always striving for the beautiful, and the architect and creates a perfect environment for people.

Every new project is exciting.

Every project that is implemented entirely on the project, brings a sense of satisfaction.

The technological process itself will tell us the way.

In the direction of sustainability and the correct use of natural environment.

The period of development of project documentation depends on the scope, design stage and the functional purpose of the object; from a few months to a year, and even more.

I make up (compose) that the image (or the legend). The sale of this project at the moment is not important.

To do what you like to do.

It is one of the main aspect for project.

Quite a lot in my office and various computer programs. But fo me it is not important. The most important idea that I want to bring to life.

For me it is precisely those things that for me plays a huge role (color, material, and environment). That's what I go by when creating the project.

Any questions interesting to answer, not idle.

It's great!

My ideal partner is my company ALPN.
It is necessary to have a team of experts to do a good project in full.
But the creation of idea is a very personal space.

Talented and passionate about their profession people. And here it does not matter, architect this person or not.

Quite a lot.

I'm just working and experimenting.

It is difficult to answer. With a lot of people.

No need to think about it otherwise, not enough time to work.

I love the white color, bright colors (orange, red), the colors of the wood. I love the sea, not in the tourist season. I love to wander around the city when it is alive, and not a tourist. Love music, different, but especially jazz.

Such moments quite a lot. It is possible to write a whole book.

New project and good music.

I guess, yes.

A lot of happiness people.

My projects and my work tell better about me.

ALPN Ltd. based in Moscow, Russia. We are working more than 15 years. During this period, we have worked more than hundred projects of various functional purposes and scales (from a private equestrian clubs and a block of townhouses to the reconstruction of residential areas and industrial facilities). We like to create our projects from just beginning till the final result. A lot of these projects are already built or are in the construction process.

Designing is a very amazing and mysterious process for me, where using the knowledge of many specialists and engineers created a living organism, which is designed to be comfortable, functional and to serve the human being. And the "orchestra conductor" all of these is Architect, who should generate all these questions and, at the same time, create the beauty, aesthetics for the final result.

I feel the maximum excitement when we create the object from the very beginning, i.e. from the urban planning. When already at the first sketch "tab of the" basic main concept, which gradually takes form, grows out of the existing urban planning structure in a separate element. For me, urban planning and architecture are inseparable, because only in this case it is possible to create an architectural object, which will become the part of the urban space.

Every new project is special in the process. There is nothing that one project is more favorite and the other one does not. The project idea germinates in the mind, there is an image, then this image appears on the paper, after drawings, details, engineering sections, approvals, construction, etc. It's not a quick process, sometimes it takes a few years. Each project is like a child, which is necessary to carry, deliver, raise and release.

Frankly speaking I don't remember. Usually we are working simultaneously with several projects in various stages of design. To my mind, it was the urban planning concept of the district reconstruction or equestrian urban planning design.

I prefer "to play" with wood and brick. I like to combine these materials with large areas of glazing. Also, I really like to fit the object into an existing environment, saving intact the maximum natural elements to the proposed facility was seen as a part of the natural environment.

Each project stage is as creative as possible. Even with the development of working documentation on engineering topics requires a creative approach. But, of course, at the beginning of a long journey on the project, the creativity is maximum and it is more fantastic and magic process.

The answer of this question can be just using the Vitruvius words: utility, durability, beauty.

Honest answer is the excitement before the appearance of a miracle.

Of course, the greatest pleasure if everything has done right during construction concerning the project documents. Hereinafter, the fatigue, and then some devastation. But, in any case, we always have such moment, between projects. Some sadness is having passed very quickly and only the desire to observe the life of our project remains.

Honesty in relation to your work, and after - literacy and professionalism.

The functionality and the correct attitude to the already established urban environment are the main positive points in the architectural design.

It seems to me that the profession of an architect is similar to the medical profession. Both a doctor and an architect are professions that are responsible for human life, only in different aspects.

Sure, the architectural profession is evolving. The future of architectural design depends on advanced technology and new materials.

At the moment, I think, in connection with the pandemic, we can only talk about possible future exhibitions that will be held in the format familiar to all of us, and hope.

The best sources of inspiration are our environment and nature. Should be just very observant.

The style of my work is to be friendly to the environment and to society, observing all the colorful of the environment.

I'm from Moscow, Russia. Undoubtedly, the Russian architectural school of has a very rich heritage. Naturally, such a historical baggage, such as the Russian vanguard and constructivism, are having a profound impact on all our projects.

ALPN Ltd. performs design documentation in full (this and urban sections, and architectural, constructive and engineering and special sections of project documentation). But, if necessary, we work with other companies as part of contractual obligations.

High professionalism, international level and obligation of respecting precious client's resources characterize the successful of any architectural companies.

The design is very mysterious and the fantastic process. These two words even can't describe maximum everything of this process.

There are no such items. Probably, if we talk about the building as a whole, I love the input space, as it is the connecting element between the exterior and interior. Very important for me - the ergonomics of the space, functionalism and sustainability.

Every day is so different that it is rather difficult beyond description. A clear daily routine is never existing. Having an understanding of office work, but always show the progress in connection with meetings, negotiations, business trips and construction processes.

You should work as much as you can. A lot to study, constantly to watch. The architect's profession is the one profession where you have to learn constantly. There is no such that you got education and all my life to use the acquired knowledge. Modern life is such that there is a lot of new materials and technologies. But the most important is the respect for architectural work and diligence.

You are in this work all the time, during day and night, everywhere (watching the movie, meeting with friends...). If you're on some kind of project; you're always involved in this process. I don't know - is it negative or positive for life? For me - it is my life.

You have to be honest about your profession.

There are a lot of components. I can't say that such list needs to be that way and no other. For me it is very important feeling of space. Everything should be functional. Each building element should be in place and, in any case, not to become simply a decoration.

There are a lot of different computer programs used for design documentation. For engineering sections is AutoCAD, structures analysis - the other program, for presentations and concepts - the other ones. Most importantly, the presence of the knowledge, experience and the so-called "viewability".

It is can't be controlled.

It is so different. Sometimes it takes a few months, sometimes - a few years. There are no accurate temporal indicators.

Such issues are several. Mostly: how much it costs to order the project? And could we make a project that will be unique and non-standard?

The most important experience for the architect is the author's supervision of construction, when all that is conceived and designed on paper comes to life.

There are completely different clients: government, public and private.

I like to work on multi-functional and urban planning projects. The most interesting for myself - the totality, from the urban planning concept of the whole object, up to the moment of delivery of object in operation. Only in this case the architect (author) can become the part of the origin legend about the creation the new urban space component.

Architectural projects and construction the interesting buildings are the future and the life.

The general concept and the basic idea - of course it is very individual work of people who are very closely professionaly. And then, as we develop all the design documentation sections (urban design, architectural, constructive, engineering topics and author's supervision of construction) - it is team works of different directions specialists.

Yes, there are such projects. We are currently working on several objects in parallel.

It is quite elementary. Me and my company are very open. My company has the websites: www.alpn.design and www.alpn.ru. Also we have pages in social networks. We are open for contacts and collaboration.

Thanks for such interesting questions.