22.09.2023 - Aluminium Association

Currently, the share of green construction projects is steadily growing worldwide. This trend is gaining momentum not only in commercial and residential real estate in major cities but also in spa public spaces. It was mentioned during the business programme of the EcoBeach International Architecture Festival organised by the Union of Moscow Architects. The Aluminium Association is a strategic partner of the event.

Aluminium solutions are irreplaceable in coastal climates and harsh marine environments. Their key advantages are high corrosion and seismic resistance, safety, and lower cost of ownership. Another benefit is aluminium’s green properties such as eco-friendliness, light weight, strength, and endless recyclability. The diversity of aluminium solutions provides extensive opportunities for architects and designers working on spa infrastructure. They have already carved out their unique niche, with architects dubbing aluminium “the immortal metal”.

Yuri Cherny, Transport Infrastructure Manager of the Aluminium Association, and Viktor Ivanenko, Head of the Shipbuilding Sector, spoke at the Sochi Agglomeration — Coastal Area Development session. They talked about the use of aluminium in the mooring infrastructure and green spa facilities.

A liveable coastal area is crucial for a spa town. It should provide both vehicle accessibility and pedestrian safety. Aluminium footbridges are a unique solution. Compared to other options, aluminium bridges, walk galleries, and bridge chains are lighter, need less maintenance, and can be installed quickly. They are pre-assembled at the factory and can be erected on-site within a few hours. They can also become a special architectural feature of the coastal area since the metal can be painted in any colour or finishes that mimic wood, marble or other materials can be applied. The aluminium industry has developed a range of solutions for coastal pedestrian area gentrification including smart lighting posts, hardscaping, bicycle parking lots, and more.

Until 2017, only one aluminium bridge had been built in Russia (St. Petersburg). In 2017, at the initiative of the Aluminium Association, two pilot footbridges were constructed in the Nizhny Novgorod region. Today, there are 15 such bridges in Moscow, Samara, Tula, and Krasnoyarsk. Krasnoyarsk is leading the way in aluminium bridge construction, with seven bridges made from aluminium alloys now in operation. This achievement was facilitated by the Association’s work in updating the regulatory framework and codes, its collaboration with design institutes, and implementing new manufacturing technologies.

Currently, 63 bridges are under construction, including international footbridge projects welcomed due to their unique sustainability. And this is just the beginning of the Aluminium Bridge Age.

The new bridge technologies have a positive impact on other sectors. For instance, some solutions from the bridge builders are used in marine and river infrastructure like berths and yacht marinas. Until not long ago, Russia had very few aluminium berths, mostly imported. However, Russia possesses all the necessary skills and capabilities for the domestic manufacturing of such products. It’s worth noting that the domestic tourism promotion strategy envisages the construction of 39 marinas.

“Russia certainly can revive its expertise in the design and construction of berth infrastructure for seas, rivers, and lakes. We see significant potential for the development of tourist attractions, water transport, and advanced, high-quality resorts. The aluminium industry already possesses all the required technology and skills”, noted Irina Kazovskaya, Chairperson of the Aluminium Association.