Evolution Design's Masterpiece: The Hyperbolic Parabolic Entrance to Sberbank City

Golden A' Design Award Winner: A Marvel of Architecture and Innovation

The design was inspired by the need for a representative entrance to two adjoining high-rise towers that form part of Sberbank City, the new campus of Sberbank. The challenge was to create a strong design statement within the narrow space between the towers, without compromising daylight into the lower levels. Evolution Design responded with a hyperbolic parabolic form that rises up at either end, enclosing the space between the towers.

What sets this design apart are the entrances at either end of the building, crowned in a series of champagne-coloured triangulated panels in stainless steel that incline outwards over the squares, like delicate tiaras. These warm-coloured crowns create playful reflections of pedestrians arriving and leaving the towers and glow up in different shades depending on the daylight. Internally, the fully glazed dynamic shape creates interiors with an al fresco vibe that merges indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly.

The hyperbolic parabolic form is achieved with the construction of 29 steel arches that increase the height towards either end of the building. The column-free space is covered by a glazed roof that consists of an intricate triangulated structure. The first and second floors are made of concrete slabs, with the middle level designed as a dynamic curved shape that delivers two restaurant terraces facing the front entrance.

Spread over three floors, the building accommodates entrance facilities for people who work in the towers, central reception, several restaurants and coffee shops, a conference centre and a large event space styled as a stepped amphitheatre. The building is not only frequented by the 10,000 employees who work in the two towers as an entry, meeting and socialising place, but is also a popular choice to meet for lunch among workers from other buildings on the campus, and is also open to the general public.

The primary project challenge was creating a building volume large enough to accommodate all the required functions under one roof, without compromising daylight into the lower levels of the towers. The dynamic saddle form that the architects devised solves both challenges. A representative, spacious and daylight-flooded space has been created that accommodates all the necessary functions, while minimising sunlight obstruction to the offices in the towers.

This design was awarded Golden in A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2022. The Golden A' Design Award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. They are venerated products and bright ideas that advance art, science, design, and technology, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.