ABD architects implemented the project for a multifunctional public and business complex together with the Polish bureau APA Wojciechowski. The project represents a contemporary reinterpretation of business architecture as part of an open, vibrant urban space. 

Belaya Ploshchad is a Class A / Prime public and business complex built in the heart of Moscow, in close proximity to Belorusskaya metro station and Belorussky railway station, at the intersection of Lesnaya Street and Butyrsky Val. The design was carried out between 2003 and 2006, with construction from 2006 to 2009, followed by active development and operation in the early 2010s. The project became one of the first and most recognisable integrated business solutions in the capital.

The architects' task was to create a contemporary, functionally flexible business quarter that would:

●   Integrate organically into the dense urban fabric of the historic centre;
●   Offer a diverse range of functional zones -from offices to public spaces;
●   Ensure comfortable integration of pedestrian connections and urban routes;
●   Become a new centre of business activity and social life.

The complex is situated within a dense historical context, where streets and pedestrian routes form a complex urban framework. The architects preserved this structure by embedding the project into the existing urban pattern: pedestrian streets within the quarter, radiating from the Old Believer Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker at Tverskaya Zastava, reinforce logical connections with the surroundings and create natural circulation routes. 

The three principal parts of the architectural ensemble buildings: A, B, and C are organised in a fan-shaped composition:
● Building A extends along Butyrsky Val, forming a prominent street facade line;
● Building B, the central element, reaches 15 storeys and serves as the complex's dominant feature;
● Building C anchors the corner of Zastavny Lane and plays an important role in shaping the urban square.

The facades are designed in a restrained style, combining natural stone in sand and dark grey tones with panoramic glazing. All three volumes are unified by a system of pedestrian routes, forming a cohesive and logical space with a comfortable square between the buildings. This square has become the heart of the complex and a gathering place for visitors, office workers, and city residents.

The ground floors are dedicated to public functions: cafés, restaurants, banks, and retail premises. Entrances are organised from Zastavny Lane, which has been transformed into a pedestrian zone. The underground section houses a three-level car park with 840 spaces and two independent access points from 1st Lesnoy Lane. Office entrances face Lesnaya Street, Butyrsky Val, and the internal connections of the complex.

The contemporary positioning of the church against the backdrop of Belaya Ploshchad created an interesting contrast between historic ecclesiastical and modern architecture. The design employed the principle of harmonious contrast in relation to the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (architect A. Gurdzhiyenko, 1914–1921). This juxtaposition did not overwhelm the historic building but, on the contrary, made it more prominent and expressive. The project preserved the existing structure of lanes, and its architectural composition combines volumes of varying scale, consonant with the surrounding urban fabric.

The interiors of Belaya Ploshchad are oriented towards creating a comfortable and prestigious environment, meeting the expectations of the most discerning tenants. Panoramic glazing and large atriums fill office spaces with natural light and create a visual connection with the street and the city square. Lobbies, halls, lounge zones, and reception areas are designed in a contemporary style using high-quality materials, reflecting the premium character of the complex. Office configurations range from open-plan spaces to combined and cellular systems, allowing spaces to be adapted to different working formats.

The complex is equipped with modern engineering infrastructure, meeting high standards of comfort and environmental quality. The buildings feature advanced ventilation, air conditioning, and climate control systems, ensuring a comfortable indoor environment across all levels.

The project received BREEAM international certification, confirming its compliance with high standards of environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, and quality of the environment.

Located within walking distance of Belorusskaya metro station and in close proximity to Leningradsky Prospekt and the Third Transport Ring, the business quarter offers exceptional transport accessibility. Its contemporary architectural image quickly won the favour of Muscovites, visitors to the city, and the juries of numerous architectural awards. This project has become a benchmark in the capital's office real estate segment, maintaining high rental rates over time, is in demand among tenants from major international and Russian companies, and is recognised as one of Moscow's best business centres.

Belaya Ploshchad became an important example of the successful integration of a business complex with striking contemporary architecture into the dense historical context of central Moscow. Through its construction, the city not only gained approximately one hundred thousand square metres of high-class office space, but also acquired new, high-quality public spaces. The project also contributed to strengthening existing urban structures and pedestrian connections in the area.

Belaya Ploshchad is not just an office centre, but an architecturally mature and socially active business complex. Its significance extends beyond typical commercial development: it creates an open space rich with elements of a high-quality urban environment, functioning together with cultural context and technical solutions that continue to serve as a reference point for the development of Moscow's urban architecture.

Photos: Sergey Volokitin