The government of the Republic of Korea acquired a limited and somewhat constrained site within the central city of Moscow. Irregularly shaped and sloping downward and away from the corner, the site is neighbored by a military institute and an adjacent apartment block. Physical and electronic security was of primary importance.

The project, developed with Heerim Architects and Engineers of Seoul, consists of three separate components: consulate, visa section and residence. The consulate “spans” the site, establishing the public visage for the ROK in Russia. The six-story office block consists of a glazed base with public and reception functions, four stories of offices above and a penthouse level with glass-walled offices opening onto a roof terrace. Secure spaces are contained within the solid blocks at the ends of the building. Parking is situated underground and accessed through a ramp within the entry courtyard. The Visa section penetrates the security fence, which contains the site, allowing access to this portion of the building only. The residence is situated at the rear of the site and shares a courtyard with the consulate. Interior spaces, landscape elements and details refer to traditional Korean motifs within a modern architectural statement.
 

With Ellerbe Becket International and Heerim Architects and Engineers

design:  1998