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The Axis Edition №1 в продаже с 12 сентября 2025 г.
Sergey Kuznetsov, chief architect of Moscow, practicing architect and artist - about the city of childhood, creativity and the future of his beloved capital.
— Moscow yesterday, today and tomorrow — what is it like?
— The Moscow of my childhood is a completely different city. In the 80s of the last century, people practically did not leave their neighborhoods. The trip to the city center was an event that was discussed for a week. Today, the city offers a lot of opportunities for residents, which makes life in it intense and dynamic..
The changes in Moscow are visible to the naked eye. This year marks the 12th anniversary of my tenure as the city's chief architect. During this time, Moscow has changed dramatically. And it's not just the architectural appearance of the city, Moscow has changed enormously in everything, only if you think about the infrastructure — cosmic changes, the city is adapted to the most comfortable life, no European metropolis can compare with Moscow today. This is, of course, the result of the work of Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin's team.
Moscow differs from other cities in the world with its rich cultural and architectural history. Here you can see buildings dating back to different historical periods, from the 15th century to the present day. Architecture is one of the important components of the city, something that we work on every day, although I would say that we are creating something more — an environment of high quality and original, with high artistic values. Moscow is the largest megalopolis and the most important in terms of political, economic and cultural influence. It is important that the people living here feel comfortable — this is the main task for the future.
Moscow differs from other cities in the world with its rich cultural and architectural history. Here you can see buildings dating back to different historical periods, from the 15th century to the present day. Architecture is one of the important components of the city, something that we work on every day, although I would say that we are creating something more — an environment of high quality and original, with high artistic values. Moscow is the largest megalopolis and the most important in terms of political, economic and cultural influence. It is important that the people living here feel comfortable — this is the main task for the future.
"Our goal is to create an environment where people will enjoy living and working. People are the main capital of the city, and their comfort is our main task."
— Moscow from childhood, Moscow from the past, is there anything that makes you yearn and that you would like to return to the city?
— The city from my childhood, as I remember it, remained only in my memory. Now everything is different. And this is absolutely natural, we are also changing, and the city is changing with us. It would be strange if Moscow remained the same as it was 10, 20, 30 years ago — the city needs constant development to meet the modern realities of life.
There are no regrets from the changes or any things that I would like to return. For example, the area where I grew up is currently being transformed under a Renovation Program, and I support these changes, as they are aimed at improving the quality of life of citizens. Nostalgia, of course, is present, but it's more for childhood, not for the old look of the city. So, I think everything is fine, it's going on as usual, and these changes are clearly beneficial for the city.
There are no regrets from the changes or any things that I would like to return. For example, the area where I grew up is currently being transformed under a Renovation Program, and I support these changes, as they are aimed at improving the quality of life of citizens. Nostalgia, of course, is present, but it's more for childhood, not for the old look of the city. So, I think everything is fine, it's going on as usual, and these changes are clearly beneficial for the city.
Your favorite neighborhood or place in the city that you always want to return to?
I don't have any particular attachment to certain areas. I like different neighborhoods — where I live now and where I grew up. It is especially pleasant to visit areas where projects with my participation have been implemented. For example, Baumanka, Zaryadye, or the ZIL territory. Such places are proud of the work done.
Is creative education important?
I am constantly learning and I advise everyone never to give up this business. Education does not have to be formal. I believe in self-education. Any education is partly self-education, so it is important with what zeal and interest you approach learning.
Communication with professionals and joint projects is a great opportunity for growth. Visiting exhibitions and participating in various projects also contributes to development.
Observation is necessary, but not just superficial, but qualitative. It's important how you perceive what you see and what conclusions you draw from it. Professional development depends on a personal attitude to learning and striving for improvement.
I am constantly learning and I advise everyone never to give up this business. Education does not have to be formal. I believe in self-education. Any education is partly self-education, so it is important with what zeal and interest you approach learning.
Communication with professionals and joint projects is a great opportunity for growth. Visiting exhibitions and participating in various projects also contributes to development.
Observation is necessary, but not just superficial, but qualitative. It's important how you perceive what you see and what conclusions you draw from it. Professional development depends on a personal attitude to learning and striving for improvement.
— Has Moscow influenced your work and how did you come to painting?
— Moscow is a city with a rich history, it has always had a strong influence on my work. I've been learning to draw all my life, and most of that time has been spent in Moscow. The urban environment, with its numerous cultural strata, inspires the creation of new artistic and architectural works. The desire to innovate and the desire to step forward by creating something unique is an important part of my work.
Living in Moscow and working here, I constantly find inspiration in urban scenes. Our task in architecture is to create something new, noticeably different from previous projects. The richness of the urban environment consists of a variety of architectural solutions, and I want our contribution to the development of the city to be noticeable and significant too.
Frank Gehry, the greatest architect of our time, grew up surrounded by boxes in his father's hardware store, which influenced his style of work — metal parts become the main elements of construction both now and then. For an architect, the place where he grew up and studied is the main determining factor of his work.
I've been involved in art since I was a child, but my professional career has greatly influenced my development. My family didn't really push me to be creative, but I tried different directions due to the diverse hobbies of my relatives and different places of life — for a while I lived in the countryside, then in Moscow and abroad, and very exotic abroad. It was South Yemen, a completely different country. And it broadened my horizons, allowed me to develop creatively. Now I am engaged not only in painting, but also in creating various objects and installations.
Living in Moscow and working here, I constantly find inspiration in urban scenes. Our task in architecture is to create something new, noticeably different from previous projects. The richness of the urban environment consists of a variety of architectural solutions, and I want our contribution to the development of the city to be noticeable and significant too.
Frank Gehry, the greatest architect of our time, grew up surrounded by boxes in his father's hardware store, which influenced his style of work — metal parts become the main elements of construction both now and then. For an architect, the place where he grew up and studied is the main determining factor of his work.
I've been involved in art since I was a child, but my professional career has greatly influenced my development. My family didn't really push me to be creative, but I tried different directions due to the diverse hobbies of my relatives and different places of life — for a while I lived in the countryside, then in Moscow and abroad, and very exotic abroad. It was South Yemen, a completely different country. And it broadened my horizons, allowed me to develop creatively. Now I am engaged not only in painting, but also in creating various objects and installations.
— Wish to the city
— Development, endless and rapid, and the implementation of those plans that already exist. Moscow has a great mayor, our mayor, whose team has already implemented a huge number of projects of various scales. But we also have many important initiatives ahead of us. We didn't start building Moscow, and we won't finish it. Our job is to carry this part carefully and carefully and create something interesting. So that we can leave behind a good, worthy and high-quality legacy, which we want to develop, because now what has turned out to be in our hands.