08.10.2024 | Aluminium Association

The properties of aluminium and its wide range of possible colours and shapes allow architects and designers to make the most daring and vivid projects a reality. This opinion was expressed during the 'Construction 2.0: Innovative solutions using aluminium in architecture' session at the International Congress of Young Architects and Designers. The event was held at Moscow State University of Civil Engineering (MGSU, National Research University). The State Duma, the Ministry of Construction of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, the Aluminium Association, the Agency for Creative Industries, the Union of Architects of Russia, the Polytechnic Museum, and many other organisations stepped up as the event's partners. Speakers of the session were leading architects from the Mezonproekt architectural firm and from METROGIPROTRANS, as well as industry experts from the Aluminium Association and ASTEK-MT.

Its advantages and environmental properties have allowed aluminium to become a leading structural material that meets all the requirements of the closed-loop economy. Contemporary alloys can greatly speed up construction, prolong the lifespan of completed structures and offset some of the initial expenses associated with dismantling them after their service life ends. 'The properties of aluminium are in particular demand in the construction industry, as it accounts for about 25% of all consumption of this metal in Russia,' said Olga Ogorodnikova, Head of the Construction Sector of the Aluminium Association. In her speech, Olga Ogorodnikova highlighted the current trends in construction, with a particular focus on high-rise development. The light weight of aluminium makes it possible to significantly simplify the installation of facade structures and extend their service life. Modern architects also pay attention to enhancing the amount of light that enters buildings. They achieve this by incorporating three-dimensional glazed structures and entrance lobbies. This trend can be attributed to both urban and suburban housing. Contemporary glazed structures can solve multiple problems at once. They are heat-efficient, are aesthetically pleasing with minimal frame thickness, and can be customised with different decoration methods and colour options, adding to the building's unique character. Russian companies are capable of producing a wide range of products for residential and commercial building construction. These products include ventilated facades, heat-efficient window systems, seam roofing, mesh structural shells, interior and exterior cladding elements, sun protection systems, and many more. In fact, modern construction can be entirely based on aluminium solutions produced in our country.

Alexander Volokitin, a Project Manager at the Aluminium Association, highlighted the wide-ranging applications of aluminium solutions, citing the improvement of urban, transport, and park infrastructure as an example. For instance, thanks to the technological efficiency and light weight of this metal, unique structures have been designed that have become a symbol of Russian capital. These include the aluminium dome in Zaryadye, the seam roofing of the Rhythmic Gymnastics Palace in Luzhniki, and the pedestrian crossing between the old and new areas of the Moscow Zoo. City residents deserve a comfortable and safe environment. This includes modern bus stops, bicycle parking areas, noise screens, park furniture, lamps, and lighting poles.

Despite the ductility of aluminium, its alloys have a high specific strength. They also boast increased cold resistance at subzero temperatures. This allowed to construct two pedestrian crossings made of aluminium alloys in the Nizhny Novgorod region in 2017, a first project of its kind in modern Russia. The development of materials and competencies led to a technological breakthrough in 2023. That year, traffic was opened on the first road bridge made of aluminium alloy, also in the Nizhny Novgorod region. This bridge was the project of its kind in Russia as well.

Alexey Trushin, Head of the Project Organisations Department at the KRAUSS Moscow Design and Architecture Department of the ASTEK-MT Group, told the students about the processes in construction, from the development of an aluminium extrusion per the customer's drawing to the commissioning of the finished object. The main feature of the product is the matrix, which is used for extrusion and creates the necessary elements for the architect. The next step is anodising the extruded aluminium, depending on the specific purpose. Today, ASTEK-MT's competencies allow to offer architects and designers almost any imaginable RAL colour. Moreover, thanks to anodisation, the extruded aluminium will boast enhanced strength properties and better protection against corrosion and light exposure. Alexey Trushin also demonstrated the ASTEK-MT design bureau's practice, using the example of implemented projects, including: City Bay-4 School, Mypriority Paveletskaya and SHAGAL residential blocks in Moscow, etc.

From an architect's perspective, aluminium is one of the most promising materials to work with. Pavel Semikin, PhD in Architecture, head of the group of architects of Mezonproekt AB, expressed this opinion. He pointed out that aluminium can be given various shapes, which makes it possible to blend metal into any architectural style harmoniously. For instance, the Residence on Vsevolozhsky club house was designed according to an original project in the Art Deco style. Its elegance is emphasised by details with intricate ornaments. This allowed us to incorporate a modern house into the historical context of the area and preserve its architectural heritage.

The Residence on Vsevolozhsky club house blends harmoniously into the historical development without violating its architectural integrity. The facade and interiors of the house were designed per an original concept and are executed in the Art Deco style. The exterior of the building exudes a special elegance thanks to its luxurious details. The main motif is an elegant ornament carved into the stone.

The Big Circle Line (BCL) of the Moscow Metro has become the longest ring line in the world. Its length is 70 km, compared to the 57-km ring line in Beijing. The use of innovative materials allowed for building and launching new stations in record time. These stations, in turn, became a testament to the legacy of the aluminium industry. Leonid Borzenkov, the chief architect of Metrogiprotrans JSC and a member of the Union of Architects of Russia, said that the facades and interiors of the stations feature honeycomb panels, decorative elements, and large-scale artworks. The use of aluminium allowed for creating unique, inimitable styles for each station. These styles reflect the cultural and visual identity of a specific part of the city.

Modern requirements dictate a rapid pace of construction. It would take at least a year to finish a station with stone. Meanwhile, aluminium panels come ready for installation. They just need to be delivered, installed on a prepared system, and the protective film removed. The station's interior is ready for commissioning. In the construction of new stations, vandal-proof materials that are resistant to corrosion, as well as easy-to-replace panels, have become crucial. As a result, Russian-made aluminium solutions are now being used at over 30 new stations of the Moscow Metro.

'We can see that aluminium solutions are now being used in some of the most important projects: housing renovation, the renewal of healthcare facilities, and the rapid construction of new metro stations. The aluminium industry has a great potential for developing tourism projects, especially pre-built hotels and tourist infrastructure facilities. Development in this field will not only boost the industry but also make a significant contribution to the overall economic growth of the Russian regions. The Aluminium Association is eager to cooperate closely with sectoral educational institutions. We want to introduce young designers, architects, builders, and other future professionals to the incredible benefits of aluminium and its limitless potential,' says Irina Kazovskaya, Chair of the Russian Aluminium Association.