The design of Horosho! was inspired by the need for revitalization in its district. The surrounding buildings, non-heritage mass production housing from the 80s, called for a fresh, dynamic, and friendly volume that could breathe new life into the area. The façade, designed to be perceived from a car, was driven by the idea of flow and dynamism found in nature, like wind and water.
Functionality is the main feature of Horosho!. Every decision made during the design process was aimed at fulfilling the needs of tenants, being friendly to visitors and pedestrians, meeting client's needs, being economically sensible and fast in construction, and being respectful to the surrounding buildings and site. The design maximizes public areas and sunlight and provides a wide array of dynamic lighting media solutions.
The façade panels of Horosho! are 6m high and are fixed in two parts. This double-sided material provides both exterior and interior solutions, reducing construction time and proving to be the most efficient solution. Despite 88% of the façade being made up of typical rectangular metal panels, the design provides a complex and rich geometry.
The main entrance of Horosho! is a continuation of the exterior public plaza, enabling the organic flow of people into the building. The façade geometry provides sunlight to this area, despite the juxtaposition of the main entrance on the Northern side of the building. The implementation of media screens on the façade has eliminated the need for a large number of exterior advertising structures.
The design of Horosho! was a result of a competition won by Iq Architecture Studio in 2013. The realization of the project took place from 2014 to 2016. The project faced several challenges, including providing the best solution among competitors in less than two weeks, significantly reducing construction costs from the early stages of concept development through realization, and retaining balance between clean architecture and the strict requirements of tenants and marketing departments.
In conclusion, the design of Horosho! is a testament to the innovative approach of Iq Architecture Studio. The shopping mall is not just a commercial space but a piece of architecture that is functional, friendly, and respectful to its surroundings. Its award-winning design is a reflection of the studio's commitment to creating spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also serve their purpose effectively.
Project Designers: ERIK VALEEV
Image Credits: Image #1-5: Photographer Erik Valeev, Dmitry Chebanenko, 2016
Project Team Members: Erik Valeev
Sergei Nikolsky
Tatyana Lebedeva
Andrey Zdanov
Pavel Tutunnik
Maria Rubacheva
Julia Zulina
Zlata Timokhina
Victoria Stepanova
Project Name: Horosho
Project Client: ERIK VALEEV