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,Suspension of projects by Zaha Hadid and David Chipperfield Architects in Russia
After the Russian invasion of Ukraine last week, Zaha Hadid and David Chipperfield Architects decided to stop working on their projects in Russia.
David Chipperfield Architects’ situation
In a statement on their Instagram account, David Chipperfield Architect said they are suspending all of their projects in Russia.
“We condemn the actions of Putin and the Russian government and stand in solidarity with Ukraine and its people,” the studio wrote.
He also mentioned that his clients understand and support this decision.
David Chipperfield Architect, due to the invasion of Ukraine, has, with full understanding,
suspended all work in Russia.
“It condemns the actions of Putin and the Russian government,
stands in solidarity with Ukraine and its people, as well as calls for an immediate end to this human tragedy,
and thinks of the innocent victims of this senseless act,” he added.
Zaha Hadid Architects have also halted their projects in Russia,
with a ZHA spokesperson stating that “this practice has been operating in Russia for four decades”.
He added, “Zaha Hadid was originally inspired by the work of the Russian aviator,
and many of our staff have taught architecture students at universities across the country.”
He also added, “We are deeply shocked and saddened by the conflict in Ukraine and have suspended our ongoing projects in Russia.”
While he also confirmed that they have completed their contract work on all other projects in the country,
and continue to monitor directives by the UK government.
While the global architecture community has previously contacted ZHA, it has yet to receive a response.
One of the most active architectural firms in Russia is Zaha Hadid Architects,
whose studio recently won a competition to design the new Klenoviy Boulevard 2 station in Moscow.
Suspension of projects by Zaha Hadid and David Chipperfield Architects in Russia
Also among ZHA’s new projects in Moscow are Sberbank Technopark,
which has received planning permission, and also a new smart city complex in Rublyovo-Arkhangelskoye in western Moscow.
MVRDV also announced on Monday, February 28, that the studio was halting its projects in Russia,
saying, “We have immediately suspended our participation in projects in Russia until further notice.”
“We stand in solidarity with all the people who are defying and protesting this war,
and we strongly condemn the violence,” MVRDV said.
Support to architects, artists, architectural organizations and cultural institutions of Ukraine
Many architects, artists, architectural organizations, and cultural institutions have shown their support for Ukraine,
especially after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, while Russian institutions have stopped working in the country.
The Royal Institute of British Architects issued a statement on March 2, saying,
“Our thoughts are with all those affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which exposed the horrific effects of the conflict on societies.”
“It is he who has prominently put the role that architecture plays in building resilient,
collaborative and inclusive societies,” the statement added.
