CENTER OF CLASSICAL AND TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE
CENTER OF CLASSICAL AND TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE
The Center for Classical and Traditional Architecture
is an educational and research department of the Moscow Architectural Institute (State Academy) that focuses on scientific research, the development of modern design and media technologies, practical architectural and urban planning design, and the implementation of projects in the field of academic development of architectural and urban planning art. The Center for Classical and Traditional Architecture also includes design, production, construction, and art workshops that focus on the practical implementation of academic achievements in the field of the revival of traditional architectural and engineering design.
Presentation of projects for the development of pilgrimage and tourism areas in Pechory and Vybuty, Pskov Region, developed by the Center for Classical and Traditional Architecture, at the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation
Meeting between the Director of the Center, A.M. Kapustin, and the Minister of Construction and Housing and Communal Services of the Russian Federation, I.E. Fayzullin, and the President of the Russian Academy of Architecture and Construction Sciences, D.O. Shvidkovsky, Rector of the Moscow Architectural Institute
Meeting with His Holiness Patriarch Kirill on the construction of a cathedral in Murmansk
Presentation of the project for the graphic reconstruction of the Chudov and Voznesensky Monasteries in the Moscow Kremlin to Russian President Vladimir Putin
The Center's scientific activities are focused on studying the fundamental aspects of urban planning, architecture, and construction, as well as their integration with modern digital and construction technologies. By utilizing the latest technologies to enhance the traditional art of architecture and urban planning, the Center for Classical and Traditional Architecture aims to create a modern approach that is deeply rooted in history.
ARCHITECTURAL PROJECTS IN BUDDHIST TRADITIONS
The Center designs key religious buildings across the country. Our specialists possess unique expertise in architectural supervision, confirmed by numerous completed projects of varying scale and complexity. The team’s work has repeatedly been presented to the country’s top leadership, demonstrated to the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, as well as to leaders and representatives of other states and Orthodox Churches. Today, the Center stands as a leading workshop specializing in Buddhist architecture.
This booklet features the project of the Buddhist Spiritual and Educational Center as part of the Interfaith Spiritual, Cultural, and Educational Center in Moscow, along with concepts for skyscrapers and a “Buddhotel” planned for development in regions rich in spiritual heritage. In the design process, factors of religious function, acoustics, lighting solutions, and pedestrian routes are carefully considered to ensure the harmonious integration of buildings into both urban and natural landscapes.
We promote interdisciplinary approaches, combining architectural design, historical and architectural research, and educational initiatives such as publications, exhibitions, and master classes. The Center is open to cooperation with government institutions, religious communities, and international partners, tailoring solutions to the cultural and social characteristics of each region while maintaining quality, sustainability, and reliability.
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN OF THE BUDDHIST SPIRITUAL AND EDUCATIONAL CENTER
The Buddhist Spiritual and Educational Center, created as part of the Interfaith Spiritual, Cultural, and Educational Center in Moscow, is intended to become a space for spiritual development, cultural exchange, and interfaith dialogue. Its architectural concept is based on the symbolism of the lotus — one of the key images in Buddhist philosophy, embodying purity, enlightenment, and spiritual rebirth.
The main volume of the building is formed by a multi-tiered composition with expressive curved roofs clad in green copper. The plasticity of the rooflines creates a dynamic structure reminiscent of the unfolding petals of a flower. The central part of the building is crowned with a multi-level tower featuring a traditional tented roof and a golden spire, emphasizing its upward aspiration toward the higher.
Symmetrical side wings are connected to the main building by a shared platform. The ornament of the paved surface highlights the principle of order and spatial harmony.
The Center includes meditation and prayer halls, educational classrooms for lectures and seminars on the philosophy, history, and culture of Buddhism, exhibition spaces, as well as multifunctional rooms for interfaith meetings, conferences, and cultural events.
The Buddhist Center is seamlessly integrated into the ensemble of the interfaith complex, creating a space of dialogue and cooperation. The architectural image of the building embodies the ideas of spiritual elevation, inner harmony, and intercultural interaction. The implementation of the project will create in Moscow a significant cultural and spiritual landmark that will serve as a hub of educational activity and the strengthening of interfaith harmony.
PROJECT PROPOSAL FOR A BUDDHOTEL IN ARCHITECTURAL TRADITIONS
The “Buddhotel” project is conceived as a modern hotel complex of three stars and above, designed in the traditional Buddhist style. The core concept of the project is the harmonious combination of national cultural features, a spiritual atmosphere, and all the requirements of contemporary hospitality services.
The complex will feature comfortable four-star-level rooms, ranging from 50 to 100 guest accommodations depending on the region and chosen location. For the convenience of visitors, parking areas will be provided, as well as landscaped park zones for walking and meditation, designed in accordance with Buddhist aesthetics.
Special attention is given to recreation and wellness areas: the hotel structure will include a restaurant offering both traditional and modern cuisine, a spa complex, meeting rooms and multifunctional halls for events, as well as dedicated spaces for spiritual practices and private retreat.
All facilities are executed in the spirit of traditional Buddhist architecture while fully complying with modern standards of comfort, safety, and logistics.
A key factor in selecting project locations is their placement along pilgrimage routes and sites of extended pilgrim stays, allowing the hotel complexes to be seamlessly integrated into the spiritual and tourist infrastructure of the regions, while providing comfortable conditions for travelers.
DEVELOPMENT OF SKYSCRAPERS IN CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURAL TRADITIONS
The project of Buddhist skyscrapers is intended to merge advanced high-rise construction technologies with spiritual symbolism and cultural tradition. The architectural concept is based on the image of upward aspiration — as an embodiment of spiritual growth and the overcoming of earthly limitations.
The towers are shaped as multi-tiered compositions with smooth façade lines resembling vertically unfolding lotus petals. Their finishes combine glass and metal with elements inspired by Buddhist aesthetics: ornamental patterns, copper details, and accentuated golden inserts. By evening, the skyscrapers become luminous architectural landmarks, reflecting light across the city skyline.
The functional program includes hotel rooms, residential apartments, spaces for work and leisure, as well as halls for spiritual practices and cultural events. At the base of each complex are public areas with gardens and meditation pavilions, seamlessly integrated into the urban environment.
The project introduces a new model of harmonious coexistence between the modern metropolis and spiritual traditions, shaping a symbol of the future in which architecture becomes a medium of cultural dialogue and inner elevation.