Tsvetnoy Central Market

Adjacent to the Old Moscow Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard, Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands’ 3,930m² (42,300sq.ft) scheme for this the new department store features striking, reflective stainless steel interiors which capture the colour, buzz and activity in the stores food market space and create a sense of drama which shimmers right down to the lower retail levels.

The concept of the ceiling was a response to two factors: the site’s history as a food and flower market and the geometries of the building’s exterior. The site has a rich history as part of a famous 19th century flower market – sold from the central reservation right along the boulevard – and as Moscow’s Central Market – which was popular in soviet times but had been unused for many years and become derelict. At its height the market was packed with produce from right across the union and imported from Central Asia, so had a souk-like appeal which in turn was an inspiration for the concept for the store for food consultants Ford McDonald.

Situated on the upper floors of the store, the scheme is centred around a 1,700m² (18,300sq.ft) ‘market place’ above which a largescale mezzanine level houses a 16m long bar, two private dining restaurants and destination outdoor terraces with views across the Moscow skyline. The building has floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, so Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands harnessed the ‘editable’ plane – the ceiling – and created a distinct feature comprised of 2,600 components made from highly-polished beaten stainless steel.