Ostozhenka Bureau

21.09.2026

Julia Tarabarina. Geology-Scale Architecture

A “geological,” nature-inspired form for large-scale complexes is one of the important themes of our time; it suits large volumes much better than pilasters and cornices. The project with the geographical name Latitude 54, proposed by Rais Baishev and the architects of Ostozhenka, likewise “grows” into the ground through a preserved ravine, while upward it rises in slabs of buildings resembling chalk mountains, with courtyards and terraces carved into their mass like caves. Its distinctive feature is the abundance of shared spaces open to both city residents and local inhabitants, along with an emphasis on high-quality construction. Large expanses of glazing, and even centralized air conditioning. Let us examine the project in context.

16.07.2026

Julia Tarabarina. A Small Book of Farewell

The book dedicated to Valery Kanyashin, published by his colleagues at Ostozhenka Architects, is remarkably small. It fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, more like sketchbook than an actual architectural monograph. Combined with its tiny print run, the result is an intentionally unglamorous, decidedly non-representational publication – one that is made “for friends”. Yet the way it weaves together projects, texts, photographs, and drawings is remarkably subtle. Perhaps this is precisely how one comes to understand a person, at least a little, by tracing the course of their creative life.

30.03.2026

Anatoly Belov. Gothic Panorama

The Panorama residential complex is known for the fact that there is no panorama in it, nor is there a panorama of it – instead, there is a “viewing slit” that opens up a glimpse of the Neo-Gothic Polish church. And the opening itself is Gothic, S-shaped. It was also this building that started the fashion for colored pixelated facades and colored glass in Moscow; yet it has remained the best example so far. Anatoly Belov on irony in the Panorama residential complex. In memory of Valery Knyashin.

24.03.2026

Anatoly Belov. The Penguin House

The building with a curved façade on Brestskaya Street is one of the manifestos of Russian neomodernism of the early 2000s, a sculpture – this is how Anatoly Belov interprets it, speaking of “breaking from the modernist canon and the contextual approach”. We do not fully agree with the author, but his perspective is an interesting one.

23.03.2026

Anatoly Belov. Office on Trubnaya

We continue publishing projects by Valery Kanyashin. A building once described, a quarter century ago, as an example of “quiet modernism” has remained just that in some people’s memory. According to Anatoly Belov, its main quality is its unobtrusiveness. The architects from Ostozhenka say the leading role here is played by context and landscape – the change in elevation. Yet is it really so inconspicuous?

20.03.2026

Anatoly Belov. The First International

With this publication, we begin a series of texts dedicated to works by the late Valery Kanyashin, one of the founders of Ostozhenka Architects. As it happens, the projects he was involved in largely illustrate our understanding of the firm and its history. The first project in this series is the International Moscow Bank on Prechistenskaya Embankment.

01.03.2026

Anatoly Belov. In Memory of Valery Kanyashin

On Friday, February 27, architect Valery Kanyashin passed away – co-founder of Ostozhenka Architects and the author of many significant buildings in Moscow. We publish a text by Anatoly Belov in memory of Valery Kanyashin.

19.01.2026

Julia Tarabarina. Woven Into Sokolniki

Over the past few years, high-rise residential construction in former industrial zones has become the main theme of Moscow architecture. Towers are springing up here and there – but the question is what kind of towers they are. The residential complex CODE Sokolniki, designed by Ostozhenka Architects, is a project where every detail has been taken care of. The authors are attentive to the history of the site, the continuity of the urban fabric, the skyline, and visual corridors. They also proposed a motif with the lyrical name “scarf”. We take a closer look at the volumetric composition and the large-scale décor “woven”, in this case, out of terraces and balconies.

25.11.2025

Julia Tarabarina. A Golden Sunbeam

A compact brick-and-metal building in the growing Shukhov Park in Vyksa seems to absorb sunlight, transform it into yellow accents inside, and in the evening “give it back” as a warm golden glow streaming from its windows. It is, frankly, a very attractive building: both material and lightweight at the same time, with lightness inside and materiality outside. Its form is shaped by function – laconic, yet far from simple. Let’s take a closer look.

10.09.2025

Julia Tarabarina. Valery Kanyashin: “We Were Given a Free Hand”

The Headliner residential complex, the main part of which was recently completed just across from Moscow City, is a kind of neighbor to the MIBC that doesn’t “play along” with it. On the contrary, the new complex is entirely built on contrast: like a city of differently scaled buildings that seems to have emerged naturally over the past 20 years – which is a hugely popular trend nowadays! And yet here – perhaps only here – such a project has been realized to its full potential. Yes, high-rises dominate, but all these slender, delicate profiles, all these exciting perspectives! And most importantly – how everything is mixed and composed together... We spoke with the project’s leader Valery Kanyashin.