Moscow, Russia (2005)
Client: Crownway Investment Limited
Crownway Investment Limited, a private, commercial developer, hired PPS to conceptualize and schematically design a central market in downtown Moscow between the circus and the subway station as part of a new mixed-use development. Crownway saw the market as a vital asset to the retail, restaurants, and possible residential units it was about to build.
The mixed-use development would complement this specific area of Moscow, which is densely populated and full of residential units, public transportation, cultural events, and a park. The market would connect to the underground subway station and be a signature piece of the development.
The developer’s goal was to maximize real estate value, and although they did not host community workshops, they approached the project with the principles of connecting the market to place and community.
The outcome of the project is currently unknown, as the developer has had to shrink the initial site. Instead of locating the market at the subway level, it may be moved to upper floors. Despite the uncertain outcome, planning a large central market in an international city was a great work experience for PPS.