In Moscow, a shopping center threatens Le Corbusier's building

photo: Sergey Yeliseev / Flickr.com

Moscow - The Centrosojuz building in Moscow is a symbol of modern architecture and the first major public contract won by Le Corbusier, one of the most famous architects of the last century. However, it may soon be overshadowed by a 58-meter tall tower, reports the AFP agency.

It is the only work of the Franco-Swiss architect realized in Russia. The building, approximately thirty meters high, was constructed between 1928 and 1936 to be the headquarters of the Soviet Ministry of Light Industry. The building itself is not in danger: it has been designated as a historical monument, renovated in 2013, and today houses the Russian Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat), which has no intention of moving.

However, two adjacent residential buildings, typical Moscow architecture from the late 19th century, may be demolished. A group of experts recommended the demolition of these three and four-story buildings last year, arguing that significant changes over the last quarter-century have rendered these buildings morally and physically outdated. This report still needs approval from the Moscow city hall.

The cultural office of the city of Moscow confirmed that both buildings next to Centrosojuz, which are not historical monuments, may be demolished. It specified that it has not yet received any requests for work permits.

The area around Centrosojuz is theoretically protected. However, the city hall does not hide its intentions: in the December plan for the use of underground spaces and buildings, it states that the two old buildings will be replaced by a 58-meter tall building with a total usable area of 59,000 square meters.

According to the organization Archnadzor, which aims to preserve historical buildings in Moscow, the land with these two buildings belongs to the Russian Ministry of Defense, which has teamed up with the real estate firm Fin.Kom to build a large shopping center there.

Although these are just plans for now, they are taken so seriously that Antoine Picon, president of the Le Corbusier Foundation, wrote to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin and Minister of Culture Vladimir Medinsky. "If this project is realized, it will very harmfully change the surroundings of Centrosojuz," wrote Antoine Picon.

"If a structure twice as tall is placed next to this building, the entire neighborhood will look different, and its appearance will be damaged," criticizes Archnadzor coordinator Konstantin Michailov.

Defenders of the work of the famous architect fear that the construction of a shopping center next to the Centrosojuz building will diminish the hopes of this building being included on the UNESCO World Heritage list, where 17 of Le Corbusier's works from seven countries (France, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, Argentina, Japan, and India) were selected last year.

Moscow has many Constructivist treasures, many of which have been destroyed, and the most significant are mostly in poor condition.

The Russian metropolis is a place where great wealth is concentrated, but where investors also exert significant pressure. "Authorities cannot always withstand this pressure, and sometimes they unfortunately encourage it," notes Konstantin Michailov.

"We have raised our objections, but we do not know how they will be received. It is certainly necessary to draw public attention," adds Konstantin Michailov.