Elizaveta Petukhova

My team

Responsibilities

• organisation and systematisation of architect team's work in BIM;
• coordination of BIM-requirements with the client;
• modelling and structuring data within the informational model;
• 3D modelling based on point clouds (laser scanning);
• research of archives and historical context;
• development of adaptation concept for the pavilion's new structure;
• creation of planning structure and functional zoning;
• development of new interior solutions (from concept to construction documentation);
• coordination of engineering and structural solutions;
• preparation of presentation material;
• creation of the brand list and selection of materials, furniture, lighting, and etc.

The most complex stage was protecting the pavilion's historical value. Losing its cultural heritage status would have meant abandoning the unique structural scheme created more than 60 years ago.

For example, an attempt to bring the suspended glass facade (curtain wall) into compliance with today's thermal resistance standards would distort its original appearance, resulting in the loss of the building's identity.

The project successfully justified the preservation of the historical design without compromising safety or functionality.

Design

The project envisions transforming the Montreal Pavilion into a unified congress and concert centre. While preserving the historic character and unique engineering solutions of the 20th century, the building is reimagined as a modern space for business and cultural life, connecting people and ideas.

The key work principal is careful approach to heritage. The main historical elements are: the V-shaped supports, the roof, and the glass facade. They are being preserved and reconstructed based on 1967 archival data. Additionally the pavilion obtains a modern "warm" envelope, in contrast to the original "cold" construction.

The central element of the complex is a 2500-seat congress and concert hall. Its construction is placed between the supports and the roof without disturbing the historical load-bearing elements. Modern equipment allows the venue to host a variety of event: conferences, forums, concerts, and theatrical performances.

The project also includes:

• preservation of authentic structural solutions;
• creation of a barrier-free environment for people with limited mobility;
• interior design and landscape design.

The pavilion unites original architecture and new volumes of the modern hall, creating a unique synthesis of the past and the future.

Historical context

Montreal pavilion is a unique cultural heritage project. After a complicated journey, transported piece by piece by sea and land from Montreal (Canada, Expo'67), it was reassembled in Moscow in 1976 and has been preserved almost in it's original state.

At the World Expo, it was nicknamed the "Flying Roof." At night, the building lit up brightly, appearing weightless and soaring into the sky. The symbolism was clear: the Soviet Union - the first nation in space, with an exhibition inside dedicated to space exploration.

The Canadian newspaper "The Montreal Star" described the Soviet pavilion as "the best ever presented at a world exhibition."

The architecture was shocking in scale: four levels connected by eight escalators, reaching a maximum of 42m, with a total exhibition area of 13,000m². The 10,000m² roof, shaped like the hypotenuse of a giant triangle, was supported by only two V-shaped columns. A suspended glass facade up to 28m high enhanced the sense of lightness and dynamism. Even today, this engineering solution remains unique in world architecture.

The only non-state Musical Theatre in Russia since 2012. In 2023, the project was granted the status of a large-scale investment project, with Gazprom as the investor.

My team

Responsibilities

• development and supervision of architectural and interior solutions - from concept to construction documentation;
• direct communication with the client and architectural approvals;
• coordination of all sections (engineering, structural, technological) throughout the development process;
• organisation and systemisation of architect team's work in BIM;
• preparing guidelines and training the team members in BIM workflows;
• data modelling and structuring within the informational model;
• creation of the brand list and selection of materials, furniture, lighting, and etc.;
• coordination of cost estimation;
• preparation of presentation material;

This project presents a significant milestone in architectural practice, providing unique experience in the development of theatres - one of the most technically and artistically complex building types.

Key area of expertise gained

• acoustics and lighting - auditorium design, visibility calculations, and creation of an optical acoustic environment;
• stage technologies - planning of the stage, orchestra pit, and integration of stage equipment;
• functional spaces - design of dressing rooms, rehearsal halls, storage for scenery, and auxiliary facilities;
• aesthetics and detailing - interior design solutions, bespoke furniture, unique finishes, and tailored lighting scenarios.

Developing a theatre is a pivotal professional experience: the building is conceived not only as form. and space, bus as a living organism where architecture, technology, and atmosphere merge into a single artistic statement.

Design

The design of the new theatre was shaped largely by the challenging conditions of the site: its limited dimensions, proximity to neighbouring buildings, and the strict regulations of the protected zone. These constrains defined the vertical composition, which references the silhouette of the lost landmark of the Hermitage Garden - the Shchukin Stage. The building integrates perfectly into the surrounding theatre cluster while maintaining its individuality, becoming a new architectural focal point of the garden.

The main facade is conceived as a dynamic "theatrical curtain": a glass system with decorative lamellas and a silkscreen pattern that comes to life in motion. Evening light enhances the effect, turning the building itself into a spectacle.

Vertical zoning made it possible to place a restaurant with a terrace above the auditorium, offering views of the city centre and the garden. The accessible roof is landscaped with a two-tier system of grasses and reeds, while built-in benches and glass-fiber concrete edges create a space for relaxation and social interaction.

The theatre's interiors emphasise the uniqueness of the project: hand-glazed ceramics, custom tile layouts, bespoke furniture, and signature lighting fixtures create an environment where architecture, craftsmanship, and performing arts merge into one. Every space - from the auditorium to the foyer - contributes to a distinctive "musical" atmosphere.

Historical context

The new theatre is being constructed in the southeastern part of the Hermitage Garden, on the site of the dismantled Shchukin Stage (2023). The plot lies entirely within a strictly regulated development zone and a protected cultural layer, surrounded by the Sphere and Hermitage theatres.

My team

Responsibilities

• development of new buildings and their integration with historical buildings;
• architectural support at all stages of the project - including state expertise review;
• development of the project and working documentation for the architectural section;
• supervision;
• creation of barrier-free environment for people with limited mobility;
• organisation and systematisation of architect team's work in BIM;
• requirement coordination with the client;
• data modelling and structuring within the informational model;

The project provided valuable experience in working with elite housing in the historic centre of Moscow. During the development process, I gained expertise in:

• methods of integrating historic buildings with contemporary volumes;
• working with premium facade materials and bespoke architectural details;
• development of private communal spaces (courtyard garden, club zones, terraces);
• implementing advanced engineering technologies ensuring the highest level of comfort and privacy.

This project shaped a systematic understanding of premium residential architecture: how to create an environment that simultaneously preserves historical value, emphasises exclusivity, and meets the highest standards of quality living.

Unique solutions

• all-season courtyard garden with landscape design and intimate recreation areas;
• private club spaces for residents;
• silent engineering systems (BMS) and "quiet technology" solutions;
• car lifts with direct access to the underground parking;
• bespoke architectural and interior solutions emphasising the exclusivity of the residential complex.

Design

The primary challenge lays within the complex process of integrating 19th-century buildings with contemporary residences. The architectural solution focused on preserving historical identity while creating an elite residential environment with the highest level of comfort. The facades of the new buildings are clad in granite, with the ground floor designed with a characteristic "skirt" slope, harmonising the ensemble with the historic surroundings. Arched openings and glazed facades echo the architectural language of the restored mansions. Glass-enclosed passages provide an organic link between the new and historic volumes. Each residence features private patios and landscaped terraces, creating the atmosphere of a secluded home in the very heart of the metropolis.

Historical context

The Ilyinka 3/8 is located within a walking distance of the Kremlin and unites carefully restored 19th-century mansions with contemporary residential buildings. The Ilyinka 3/8 represents a benchmark of premium Moscow architecture, where history and modernity converge into a single ensemble. The project forms a unique residential environment that combines privacy, advanced technology, and cultural continuity.

My team

Responsibilities

• development of project and construction documentation (plans, sections, elevations, and details);
• compiled material and element schedules of facades, roofs, walls, ceilings, furniture, and etc.;
• insolation and daylight factor calculations;
• coordination of architectural solutions with engineering and structural sections;
• supervision;

Work on large-scale residential projects provided a solid foundation in BIM proficiency, including modelling, data structuring, and documentation systematisation.

Design

Special attention was given to the planning logic of apartments, the architectural expressiveness of facades, and the accuracy of construction documentation. The key part of work involved regulatory calculations of insolation and natural lighting (daylight factor), the development of functional layouts, and compliance with fire safety requirements - all ensuring that the project met modern standards for residential environments.

Historical context

Mass residential development has been the dominant housing type in modern Russia, ranging from five-story "khrushchevka" (panel) blocks to high-rise buildings of 17-24 floors. Work on residential complexes with areas of 50,000 - 65,000 m² became an important stage in my professional practice, helping me to develop a systematic understanding of housing architecture and the principles of comprehensive urban development.

Samolet Group - a federal development company and IT solutions provider in the real estate sector, the largest in Russia.

Key features

• work within a development institute ranked among the top three in Russia by project volume;
• development of residential and public buildings, as well as social and industrial infrastructure facilities;

APEX Project Bureau - a Moscow-based multidisciplinary architectural company specialising in BIM solutions. Rapid response to market changes and adaptation to modern construction technologies have made APEX one of Russia's leading firms in general design. Key areas of expertise include working with cultural heritage sites and supporting international architects.

Key features

• full immersion and project work in a BIM environment, with strong integration into the corporate workflow;
• regular testing to confirm technical skills, regulatory knowledge, and compliance with corporate standards;

A modern architectural and design company delivering unique and technically difficult projects for state enterprises and major investment and construction corporations.

Key features

• development of residential complexes at both project and construction documentation stages;
• interior design projects for preschool educational facilities;

Designing educational facilities combined work with social functions, public spaces, and supporting infrastructure. This experience shaped an understanding of architecture as a tool that directly influences the quality of the environment and contributes to social development.

My team

Historical context

The period of working on educational projects became an important stage in professional practice, broadening the understanding of socially significant architecture.

Design

In public buildings, the key tasks were functional organisation of space and compliance with regulatory standards. Special focus was given to the design of a secondary school in St. Petersburg and the development of a preschool interior project, including regulatory calculations of insolation and natural lighting (daylight factor).

Responsibilities

• development of planning solutions;
• creation of kindergarten interior design concept;
• insolation and daylight factor calculations;
• coordination of architectural solutions with engineering and structural sections;

Work on educational facilities provided valuable experience in detailed design of nodes and schedules, manual daylight calculations, and integration of engineering solutions. The acquired methods and approaches became the foundation for future work on complex cultural and public buildings.

My team

Historical context

My professional path began with a small architectural bureau, working on the first residential and public building projects. Despite their modest scale, this stage became the starting point that allowed me to master the fundamentals of the development process and gain an initial understanding of the profession.

Responsibilities

• preparation of technical drawings;
• development of sketches and presentation materials;
• review of initial and regulatory documentation;
• assisting in development of planning solutions;
• compilation of schedules and specifications;
• material selection and making facade documentation;

Working on first projects laid a foundation for essential skills: attention to detail, precision in drawings, and the ability to navigate regulations and documentation. This experience became the basis for professional growth - from the simple tasks to independent work on complex heritage and contemporary public projects.