Museum complex Ancient Ufa | Akhmadullin Architects

Taking into account above all the cultural value of the place, there is the idea of ​​creating a volume of historical and archaeological landscape of the city in the concept of architectural and planning solution. The main volume of the building "going out" and "grow" from different layers of the earth, which identify the different time periods and each layer of earth bears inestimable treasures and evidence of the rich history of the area. The main level of the excavation is preserved. Earth layers are displayed in a horizontal layered structure of the facade and smoothly turn into the landscape elements, as a reminder of the historical origin of the area. All the building as a whole contain elements of puzzle that will unravel the visitors. In exterior, it is expressed in a special finishing layer of perforated stone in the ornament shape, which is visible in the dark by means of architectural lighting.

The general idea that museum complex will be a sort of "House of History", where every citizen of our region find their understanding of the historical and cultural identity. Proposed museum becomes a mental intangible door to our past and a place of collective memory. All of these features will help in the development of the Bashkir region self-identity.

Preservation of archaeological site - the basic principle of volume organization. The museum complex is not build as "found" or "revealed" in consequence of his "digging" from the ground. Presented architectural strategy creates minimal impact on the architectural and visual perception of the place and fully integrates into the existing landscape structure, takes advantage of thermal inertia and heat insulation, which provides ground and refers to the ancient vernacular architecture traditions.

There are three entrances to the museum: the main from the Pushkin Street, here a bronze horse statue greets visitor, which in turn is the visual dominant. The second entrance - is a long ramp leading the visitor down to the lobby: the space-time exposure and the center of the active life in the museum complex. This “square” within the complex is an open space, on which will be carried out various cultural activities; it is also a new platform for self-expression and creative personalities, and various events. Third entrance - a ramp leading from the parking levels above the archaeological excavations.

The space, which organized on the main ramp that connects the ground floor with the first floor at the same time a sculptural gallery of bashkirian historical figures. The Large space of accessible roof area, which is in the same time a panoramic sightseeing platform, can also serve as an open exhibition space and an expansion of the museum complex during summer season.

There are exhibition halls on the first and second floors, which on the plan represent flowing organic lines. This form of halls make it possible to create a lively atmosphere exposure, organize a more convenient form for the dioramas. The entrance and exit of rooms are oriented in such a way as to create a logical navigation of the exhibition for visitor, according to the time period displayed in the exhibition hall, but not prohibitive to visit any of the rooms not in order.

According the technical requirements was need to take into account the presence in the exhibition in the same time the archaeological artifacts and interpretations of scenes characteristic of different historical eras

For solving this problem was proposed the idea of “matryoshka” - a small hall inside a large  hall. It allows separating significant archeological artefacts from the scenes of recreating historical periods. Also it is helping to create accessible and understandable navigation routes for visitors of the museum.

Common space played up by temporary ribbons cut on the outer surfaces of exhibition spaces. The shape of ovals and circles showrooms actively emphasizes reflected a bright red light at upper of contour walls.

The project provides concise and meaningful interiors at the same time that accent attention of visitors to the artifacts and exhibition.

For interior finishing is used polished concrete with natural stone aggregates of local materials.

In the silhouette of the building can be find links to form reminiscent of the old fortress of Ufa Kremlin XVIII century. National motives of the region is also reflected in the design of the facade at night. This is achieved by fine stone facade of the perforations in the form of ornaments, which are implicit in the afternoon. Material Corten acts as a second layer, the second skin of the building into a facade object, displaying dynamic forms. From the first view at the Museum by the residents and guests of the Ufa will arise associations connected with the excavation and the output volume of the earth.

The museum complex "Ancient Ufa" is an intention to create a new, full of life, the center of culture, history, communication and exchange of ideas. The main leitmotif of the project proposal - an attempt to create an object not as a physical building, but rather a new space of collective memory and identity, a meeting place for people and stories. The system of open spaces, where the spectacular landscape of Ufa is interweave with the rich cultural activities, which will be cultivated in the museum "Ancient Ufa."

First and foremost for us relationships between archaeological site and local society is the main subject of this thesis has required significant effort when studying the topic and interpretative issues related to this specific field of architectural design. Another good thing about project is that archaeologists have chance to demonstrate the artifacts directly in-situ could answer to the question about self-identity. In addition, it should influence the relationship between our current attitudes towards past and future.

The study of such a rich and complex topic has presented us with new approach for Ufa. We presented another way of thinking about preservation of archaeological sites and design new museum that is hanging and protecting excavation with new volume in which visitors could observe artefacts.

The solution that we have made came from believes in potential of contemporary architecture has dialog and breathe new life into historically and culturally important places, to help communicate their significance and spread new awareness of their value. We think that balance between new life of site and historical meaning has found in our project without either degrading it, subjecting it to the new or undermining its peculiarities.

In conclusion, we can say that we build great hopes to change attitude of society towards to past and use this approach in other cases of our country.