International Architectural competition for the Atomic Energy Pavilion at the Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy (OJSC VDNH)

The goal of this international architecture competition was to create a new exhibition pavilion that showcases the nuclear industry’s achievements and know-how. In conjunction with Russian firms Ub design and A+A Studio, Cardin Julien developed a concept that mirrors the structure of an atom. The proposed design includes a spherical component located at the centre of the exhibition rooms. Visitors enter the building by crossing a body of water using a walkway that leads into a transparent spherical space. This room is comprised of an elaborate shell-like exterior with a bright core, which echoes the structure of an atom: the illuminated center represents the atom’s nucleus, while the outer layers represent electron orbits. The room’s central element integrates an interactive wall. The proposed building has three storeys, including a basement.

The design was conceived by organizing the elements along two main pedestrian axes that meet at the center of the sphere – the heart of the building. The three temporary exhibition wings, the permanent exhibition wings (The Future of Energy, the Atomarium, the Russian Atomic Project, From Energy to Electricity, Heroes of the Atomic Project, and The USSR and The Atomic Project), and public spaces (boutique, interior garden and library, conference room, creative lab, administrative offices) surround the sphere’s periphery. They are also adjacent to a body of water, which symbolizes the museum’s organic nature. The entirety of the building’s roof is an urban park, accessible via the interior of the sphere.

The team was one of six finalists chosen among 49 applications from 8 different countries. Cardin Julien, alongside UB.design group and Moscow’s A+A architecture, presented the second phase of the competition to the jury and panel of experts in Moscow.

 

Winner of the Competition Annoucement