Designs for the headquarters of Russian company RMK, one of the world’s leading producers of copper, were released last Tuesday by British architecture firm Foster + Partners.
The plan for the building in Yekaterinburg is to rethink the conventional cellular office and tailor it to how RMK operates. The interiors consist of more intimate, domestic scaled workspaces instead of the currently popular large open space.
The façade, made up of triple-glazing and triangular bronze-colored steel panels, will appear to be subtly changing according to the season and path of the sun.
In anticipation of the city’s dramatic temperature shifts between seasons, the solid and glazed areas are designed to maximize the scarce winter sun while blocking the heat of direct sunlight during the summer.
The firm designed both the architecture and interior elements using warm, tactile materials in palettes of wood, stone, and textiles in natural tones.
"This is a great example of our integrated approach," said Luke Fox, Executive Partner at Foster + Partners. "Our architects and our in-house specialists disciplines have worked closely together as a single team to create a truly integrated solution that is both perfectly tailored to RMK’s needs, and provides a powerful new symbol for their organization."
Related Stories
Sponsored | HVAC | Feb 3, 2020
Reliable Building Systems Increase Net Operating Income by Retaining Tenants
Tenants increasingly expect a well-crafted property that feels unique, authentic, and comfortable—with technologically advanced systems and spaces that optimize performance and encourage collaboration and engagement. The following guidance will help owners and property managers keep tenants happy.
Architects | Jan 29, 2020
Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture school is closing
The school was established in 1932.
Libraries | Jan 23, 2020
Information or community center: The next generation of libraries must be both
Are libraries still relevant in a digital world?
Green | Jan 10, 2020
How the new EC3 tool raises the bar on collective action
Nearly 50 AEC industry organizations partnered to develop the groundbreaking Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator.
Architects | Jan 9, 2020
AIA selects recipients for the 2020 Regional & Urban Design Awards
The 2020 Regional & Urban Design program recognizes the best in urban design, regional and city planning and community development.
Building Technology | Jan 7, 2020
Tariff whiplash for bifacial solar modules
Bifacial solar systems offer many advantages over traditional systems.
Sponsored | HVAC | Jan 6, 2020
Maximize Energy Efficiency in Class A Office Buildings With Modern Building Systems
Energy-efficient building design starts with the building envelope, but the building systems have a tremendous impact on energy use as well.
Life of an Architect Podcast | Jan 6, 2020
5 most popular Life of an Architect podcast episodes of 2019
Architects Bob Borson, FAIA, and Andrew Hawkins, AIA, LEED AP, produced 25 episodes of the Life of an Architect podcast in 2019. Here are the five most popular episodes of Life of an Architect based on the number of downloads.
Architects | Jan 6, 2020
Merger expands HED’s presence in SoCal
Puchlik Design Associates, its new addition, specializes in healthcare design.
Steel Buildings | Jan 3, 2020
5 reasons to enter the $20,000 Forge Prize
Calling all emerging architects. Don’t miss out on your chance to enter the $20,000 Forge Prize. Submissions for Stage 1 judging are due January 15.