DNA of the Future. Finalists of the competition for the new architectural vision of the Center for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies present their first concepts

The first interim presentations took place as part of the All-Russian Competition for the development of an architectural concept for the new central building and adjacent территории of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Federal Research Center for Original and Promising Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies.”

The finalists presented preliminary results of their work to the jury — this stage is essential for receiving expert feedback and refining the competition proposals.

Most teams showcased several volumetric and spatial design options. Among them were forms inspired by biomorphism, космос, ideas of scientific and technological progress, and Russian avant-garde aesthetics. The finalists demonstrated exterior visualizations, layouts of blocks and modules, and their interconnections. They also proposed approaches to integrating the Center into the surrounding urban environment — a strategy in which part of the spaces become publicly accessible (squares, green areas, cafés, etc.), which was recognized as the right direction.

The competition brings together four individual participants (IND, Wowhaus, TPO “Reserve,” and MUZA Group) and two consortia (“Architectural Bureau PASP + Project Workshop ROST” and “AI-architects + TOLK + ZLT + ArTech Lab”). They are tasked with developing the architectural image of the facility, the interior design code, spatial planning solutions, and proposals for landscaping the site. The main goal is to create a unique architectural landmark comparable to the most iconic scientific buildings, such as the Presidium of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Central Research Institute of Robotics and Technical Cybernetics, or the Atom Pavilion at VDNH.

Following the presentations, each team will receive recommendations for further refinement. Among the key suggestions are the preparation of more detailed architectural visualizations and a stronger consideration of the building’s relationship with the surrounding urban context.

The Federal Research Center is one of Russia’s leading scientific institutions in the fields of biomedicine, pharmaceuticals, and the assessment of the quality, efficacy, and safety of medicinal products. The complex is located in northern Moscow, in the Sokol district (8 Baltiyskaya Street). The renewed Center will house dozens of laboratories specializing in the development of treatments for oncological, cardiovascular, and rare genetic diseases, research into aging and tissue regeneration, studies of human interaction with the environment in a modern technological context, as well as pilot-scale pharmaceutical production.

Another interim presentation is scheduled for early March, with the final results of the competition to be announced in mid-April. The competition is curated by the state development institution DOM.RF. The project partner is LLC “Management Company EVOCORP.” The operator is the International Urban Laboratory “CENTER Lab.”

Photo: Nikolai Sokolov