29.11.2023 

Renovation of the Polytechnic Museum in Moscow is almost completed. One of the most challenging innovative solutions applied during the renovation of the historic Polytechnic Museum building is the translucent aluminium domes. The domes were designed and installed by Bearing Systems, a member of the Association. The installation of translucent structures addressed one of the project’s key objectives: expand the usable area of the building by 1/4. The translucent roofing not only transformed two courtyards into public spaces with a comfortable above-zero temperature but also made them usable for exhibitions. The design allows to suspend life-size models of aircraft and spacecraft.

Irina Kazovskaya, Chairperson of the Aluminium Association, Nikolay Shumakov, President of the Russian Union of Architects, Elena Asanova, Director of Market Relations of the Aluminium Association, along with architects and designers from the Union of Moscow Architects, visited the iconic Polytechnic building and observed the ongoing renovation. The tour was conducted by Sergey Tyrin, Head of the Renovation Department.

Irina Kazovskaya, Chairperson of the Aluminium Association, stated: "The renovation of the Polytechnic Museum is one of the most notable recent projects involving the use of aluminium for public spaces. The two domes of the refurbished Polytechnic building, covering a total of 3,500 square metres, are translucent structures made from aerospace aluminium, which weighs just 1/3 of an equivalent steel structure. This is a perfect example of how aluminium solutions can enhance the functionality of a historic building."

"The Polytechnic Museum in down town is a cultural heritage site. The builders and architects have done a tremendous job in preserving the building, and its interiors, and in implementing advanced solutions. The translucent roofing made of glass and aluminium significantly increased the museum’s usable area. We plan to invite students and the architectural community to the Polytechnic building to learn about the renovation of one of the largest and most challenging cultural heritage projects in Moscow down town", noted N. Shumakov.

The contractor is Polytekhstroy, and the customer is the Russian Ministry of Construction.