The complex designed by APA Wojciechowski at the White Square in Moscow was named one of the three most important projects in the Russian capital over the last three decades.
At this year’s ARCH Moscow Architecture and Design Exhibition, which took place in Gostiny Dvor (The Old Merchant Court) on 8-11 October 2020, the central place was taken by the Moscow: Significant! special project presenting photographs and descriptions of 30 key architectural projects implemented in the Russian capital in the last thirty years. A jury composed of architects and experts first shortlisted the projects based on their historical significance, and then, a final list was chosen by means of a public vote. The list was topped by the Moscow City district, Zaryadye Park, and the White Square Complex which includes the White Square Office Center and the White Gardens Office Center – investments designed by APA Wojciechowski Architects. The project was developed by White Star Real Estate, Coalco, and AIG/Lincoln in cooperation with the Moscow-based ABD Architects as a local partner. The choice made by the audience and experts was also appreciated by the prestigious Moscow daily The Art Newspaper, which made a list ranking the White Square complex as the fourth most significant building constructed in Moscow in the past three decades.
“We are honoured to hear that our White Square projects were awarded an honourable mention. We have created, in cooperation with the investors, a vibrant place, which has since become a permanent feature of the area. Great commercial basis, perfect location, and timeless architecture all make the White Square Office Center and the White Gardens Office Center a perfect environment for the development of companies,” says Szymon Wojciechowski, President of the Management Board and Architect-Partner at APA Wojciechowski.
The White Square quarter has become Moscow’s adornment and its construction marked the beginning of a comprehensive renovation of Lesnaya Street. The project combines the old and the new in a spectacular manner, joining the newly refurbished St. Nicholas Church (built-in 1914) with modern architecture located right behind it. Several smaller streets within the complex were transformed into pedestrian streets – a first such overhaul of a street system in Moscow.
“Each of the newly created streets in the White Square Office Center constitutes an individual axis offering a view of the church. Green terraces of the office buildings forming the White Gardens Office Center and a glazed gallery with outdoor cafés and restaurants complement the project perfectly. The White Square is an attractive place not only for office space tenants but also for Moscow residents and numerous tourists,” comments Witold Dudek, Co-Owner and Architect-Partner at APA Wojciechowski.