Theater begins with a hanger, and the circus – with the facade: how architecture creates impressions

This approach is called the architecture of impressions. Architecture not only gives space a function, but also creates a special atmosphere in which there is an anticipation of a miracle.

From facade to atmosphere: world experience

The appearance of cultural buildings often becomes part of the image of the city. Kunsthaus, a modern art museum in Graz resembling a blue alien, Elbphilharmonie, a concert hall in Hamburg that combines an old warehouse and a undulating glass superstructure, and the ArtScience Museum, a museum in Singapore similar to a lotus flower, show how unusual architecture changes the perception of urban space and forms a first impression.

Equally important is the organization of internal space. At the Cirque du Soleil headquarters in Montreal, visitors can see a circus show being created, and at the Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, the path to the concert hall becomes part of the overall experience. A different approach is embodied in the Guggenheim Museum in New York. Behind the laconic white facade, resembling an inverted cone, lies a space organized on the principle of a continuous spiral. Having risen to the upper level, the visitor descends along the gently ramp, getting acquainted with the exposition as he moves. Thus, architecture itself sets the route and determines the nature of acquaintance with art.

A similar principle is the basis of the project of the circus complex in Baku, developed by the architectural bureau of Andrei Asadov. In addition to the auditorium, the complex provides a hotel, rehearsal and artistic premises, a children's center, as well as a shopping gallery with restaurants and cafes. This content allows you to use the space on ordinary days.

Architect Andrei Asadov explained what image formed the basis of the project: “Circus is a meeting with something mysterious and beautiful, it is an explosion of surprise and delight that overwhelms the souls of children and adults, it is a magical tent filled with stunning discoveries.” All these feelings we tried to convey in our project. They were embodied in the image of a volcano that spews hundreds of emotions and fills the heart with delight.”.

The image of the volcano in this case becomes a metaphor for the circus performance itself, and the architectural form continues this idea.

Building as part of urban life

The architecture of impressions is important not only for cultural institutions, but also for the development of the urban environment.

According to Professor Kirill Kulakov, the spectacular building works as a catalyst: “It attracts citizens, changes their routes of movement.”.

At the same time, architectural expressiveness should be combined with convenience and thoughtful organization of space. It is important that the facility is a full-fledged part of the city.

Impression begins at the threshold

Architecture is often compared to frozen music: its expressiveness is revealed gradually, as a person moves through space.

Therefore, the architecture of impressions begins at the design stage. It connects the device of space with the emotions of the visitor.

“This approach is important in the creation of cultural facilities, theaters, concert halls, circuses, museums and modern public spaces. That is why the architecture of impressions should be laid at the design stage, said Julia Zubarik, Architectural Bureau MASTER’S Plan.

Ultimately, architecture determines not only how a building looks, but also how a person feels when inside. It is the unity of the external appearance, internal space and its purpose that allows the building to acquire its own character and leave an impression that persists even after leaving.