DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
PN : The natural environment and the unique history of the neighboring villages predetermined the integrated approach in the formation of the concept of urban development. In the one project it was necessary to immediately solve three tasks: functional, ecological and cultural identity. Separate buildings of the complex, picturesquely scattered on the site by type of irregular layout of Russian manor, in fact, clearly fit into the rigid scheme of the functional zoning. The silhouettes of the pitched roofs of different heights and lengths look organically at the background of the forest close to its picturesque mass of tree crowns. Wooden trim of the facades emphasizes the connection of the new construction and the surrounding landscape.
DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?
PN : Architectural composition of the object is characterized by its particular function and natural environment. In the conditions dictated by strict and very specific regulatory requirements, the author of the concept lacked the possibility to freely manipulate the free volumes. Therefore, the color was selected as the primary means of expression. The main idea has been realized through the facade rhythmically organized geometric decor.
The object is perceived as a contrast object in relation to the natural environment, and structuring the monotonous landscape, it assigns him the role of the natural background. It seems as if someone had spread the colorful homespun mat on the ground. The huge glass planes work on the contrasts, emphasizing the arches end facades and connecting the interior with the exterior together.
DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?
PN : The very participation and, even more so - an award in such a prestigious international competition for the company - it is a confirmation of professionalism and a sign of quality of our works, it’s a great achievement and a significant step forward for the whole team. That is a good opportunity for new projects for a world.
DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?
PN : First stage (general plan) - 2005-2007,
Second stage (main building of the complex) - 2007-2009,
Third stage (infrastructure) - 2013-2015.
DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?
PN : It was the client order to design such functional complex who is the professional sportsmen (rider).
DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?
PN : This project is already built and, of course, we were involved at the construction process with project following. This project is unique and we can not to do the copy of it. But some technological aspects are useful in the other projects with such functional goal.
DI: What made you design this particular type of work?
PN : Equitorus designed and built according to customer under the contract.
DI: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?
PN : For the main indoor arena used long-span wooden structures from glued wood.
DI: Who is the target customer for his design?
PN : Equestrian center built for professional horse riders in Olympic sports, and also for fans who are interested in horses come to ride horses and spend time with the whole family.
DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?
PN : Speaking of stables, in my head the image appears quite utilitarian object for agricultural purposes. This example is really a multi-functional sustainable equestrian sports complex, where the architectural design reveals a completely different theme of design and construction of equestrian facilities, identifying the uniqueness of such structures.
DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?
PN : The title of the complex was creating the client. Everything is very simple. EquitoRus means the following: "Equi" - part of the word equestrian, "toRus" - means "for Russia".
DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?
PN : Because the object is directly connected with technology, it takes much time to thoroughly study this matter, taking into account the technological and sustainable aspects of the creation of such unique complexes.
DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?
PN : The idea is giving an emotionally saturated image for a purely utilitarian object.
DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?
PN : A very big help in creating this project was the customer, since she is himself a professional athlete equestrian sport. So the category of "Technology" directly discussed, decided and approved with the customer.
It is also very productive work has been with a specialized company for designing and construction of long-span structures from laminated timber.
DI: What is the role of technology in this particular design?
PN : Section "Technology" - is the main topic for such project (meaning - equestrian complex). Technological issues needed to be addressed at the stage of urban design development and the design of the complex and further - to create all interior parts.
DI: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?
PN : Geo-technical investigations, engineering and design calculations, environmental studies and sustainability were performed within the framework of the development and construction of Equitorus.
DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?
PN : Initially the biggest issue was the study of the topic in order to create an object that will meet all international requirements for construction and operation of the equestrian center.
DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?
PN : I was invited to participate in the contest official letter from your organization after awarding this project as Leisure Architecture in Great Britain.
DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?
PN : Extensive experience in design and construction of these unique objects ranging from a town-planning concept of the development master plan, construction of specialized buildings and equipment specialized equipment with all engineering and technological requirements. Today in the corporate portfolio ALPN is more than 20 of such facilities.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
PN : The key areas of activity and socio-occupational importance to design and implement Equestrian Center Equitorus were realized and, I guess, quite successful. Today Equitorus is one of the most popular equestrian sport complexes in Russia, where at the highest professional level competitions year round, including in the Olympic disciplines.