Expograd Yug Exhibition Centre in Krasnodar
- location
- Russia, Krasnodar
- completed
- 2015
- design
- 2014
- total area
- 10 000 m²
- client
- RAMO-M
- architects
- Anton Nadtochiy, Vera Butko, Petr Alimov, Dmitry Khudenkikh, Nikolay Filatov
Krasnodar Region is one of the important brands of early 21st-century Russia, demonstrating its technological achievements, prosperity and warm southern character. The construction of a large district to accommodate the exhibition centre, previously located in the historic part of the city, is intended to express this idea in Krasnodar’s physical urban space.
In this way, Krasnodar seeks to stand alongside Milan, Shanghai, Cologne and other major cities that have become important exhibition and business platforms for contemporary industry. Accordingly, the architectural manifestation of this ambition was of particular importance: moving beyond the standardised design of exhibition hangars and creating a recognisable “face” for the complex. This role is performed by the multifunctional entrance block, which includes a visitor service centre, conference zone, café and restaurant spaces, a VIP area and administrative premises.
Its form is asymmetrical, corresponding to the site’s logistics, with the entrance to the territory located on the right-hand side. Broken, graphically precise lines define the dynamic external image, further emphasised by the use of a contrasting black-and-white palette. At the same time, the building’s degree of transparency and its “turn” towards the arrival point of visitors create a distinctly welcoming image.
This quality continues in the interior, with its open plan and spaces of varying heights, suited both to business negotiations and to the energetic pace of commercial activity. Another important element is the large external staircase leading to the central promenade of the main exhibition pavilions. It is designed so that it can also be used as a stage and as spectator seating during ceremonial events.