20.11.2024 | Aluminium Association

From November 12 to 14, 2024, the Gostiny Dvor Exhibition Complex hosted the 'Zodchestvo' 32nd International Architectural Festival, one of the key events for architects, designers, and builders in Russia. Aluminium has been a favourite material among architects for many years. The Aluminium Association had a booth at the festival where they showed how aluminium can be used in architecture and design. They also held a round table aimed at raising awareness about the possibilities of integrated application of aluminum-based solutions in projects.

The Association's booth was visited by Irek Fayzullin, Minister of Construction of Russia. The Minister explored the exhibits and was impressed by the possibilities of using aluminium in architecture and construction. He particularly appreciated the idea of using aluminium in the construction of residential, social, commercial buildings, urban transport and park infrastructure, as well as in public, cultural, and tourist spaces. Irina Kazovskaya, Chair of the Russian Aluminium Association, noted the high potential of pre-fabricated structures, used in most economy sectors, including the construction of social, sports, medical, and tourist facilities, urban and transport infrastructure, including airports, bus stations, and more. Aluminium-based solutions help compensate for talent shortage and save regional budgets. As an example, the Chair of the Association cited bridge kits for which the Ministry of Construction has recently issued the first technical certificate. These kits can be assembled in two hours without the need for a government expert review, and they can be sold on marketplaces.

'The benefits of using aluminium structures are well-known: they have a low total cost of ownership and a longer life cycle than those made with other materials. These structures should be used to create an environmentally friendly and comfortable environment, easily accessible for people,' noted Evgeny Vasiliev, UC RUSAL's Director of Market Development, in his report to Irek Faizullin.

Within the framework of the Zodchestvo festival, the Aluminium Association held a round table titled 'Pre-Febricated Structures and Territory Landscaping'. The participants of the round table discussed the application of aluminium solutions in various renovation and restoration projects. They also focused on the enhancement of public spaces and urban environments. The discussion included street and park lighting, the construction of sports and playground equipment, and hardscaping projects. Technologies based on aluminium solutions allow for creating architectural wonders using simple framed and tented structures. A modern extruded aluminum system allows to erect a building quickly. The system uses standard fasteners, which gives architects the freedom to create and implement various architectural forms in the design. The participants in the discussion noted that the demand for aluminium is growing year after year due to its appealing aesthetics, light weight, strength, eco-friendliness, and the potential for endless reprocessing.

The round table attracted more than 150 participants, including representatives from the following Association member companies: Alums Group; Ledvizor company; KANGAROO.PRO, a manufacturer of sports and playground equipment and hardscaping objects; Bearing Systems LLC; and also experts from the Aluminium Association. Evgeny Vasiliev, Head of UC Rusal's Directorate for Market Development, moderated the event.

At the booth of the Aluminium Association, festival guests had the opportunity to learn about the products of the leading Association member companies, including Astek-MT Group, TBM, Bearing Systems, Gamma Colour, and KTM.

At the entrance, festival-goers were greeted by the 6-meter-high 'Giraffe' objet d'art made of aluminium by trainees of the START children's art school; this indicates that the new generation of architects is opting for aluminium in its projects.

Zodchestvo is the largest architectural festival in our country. It attracts both Russian and foreign experts, including designers, project engineers and architects, as well as experts in construction, materials and interior design, and students. The theme of its 32nd edition is 'Breakthrough', which the curators explain as follows: 'It's time to show more than just intentions: real transformation.'