Archinect
vasilii bantsekin

vasilii bantsekin

moscow

 
View Portfolio

About 

I am an architect with experience in unique cultural projects of different scales, including exhibition projects and events, gallery spaces, temporary pavilions, as well as cultural center building and cinema reconstructions. My portfolio and experience cover the full cycle of work: from concept development and design to construction and operation of buildings.

I received my primary architectural education at the Moscow Architectural Institute (MARCHI), graduating with honors in 2007 from the Department of Urban Planning. In 2011, I earned a Master of Science degree after a year of study at GSAPP, New York.

Employment 

V-A-C Foundation, Moscow, RU, Head Of Architecture

Since 2022, I have served as the client representative for the UDARNIK Cinema reconstruction project. In this role, I am responsible for reviewing and managing project documentation, including architectural drawings, technical specifications, and construction schemes, ensuring compliance with client requirements and industry standards. I have also contributed to the design and refinement of interior spaces, overseeing the selection of furniture and finishing materials to maintain a cohesive design vision. Additionally, I have developed project concepts and prepared presentations for stakeholders, facilitating effective communication and decision-making.

As an architect and designer for several cultural projects and exhibitions organized by the V-A-C Foundation, I have played a key role in delivering impactful contemporary art exhibitions, including Geometry of Now (GON), the General Rehearsal exhibition, and other projects in London and Venice. My experience includes leading high-profile projects where I contributed significantly to cultural and artistic initiatives.

Since 2016, I have been actively involved in the GES-2 project, collaborating with architects from the Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW) on a major cultural redevelopment in Moscow. My contributions to this significant project include ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, participating in negotiations with contractors and designers, drafting technical specifications, and overseeing the coordination of contractors' work. Additionally, I provided author’s supervision to maintain the project’s quality standards and ensure alignment with the vision of transforming GES-2 into a dynamic urban cultural space.

Mar 2016 - current
 

ABSENT_INK_ARCHITECTURAL AGENCY (AIAA), Moscow, RU, Head Of Architecture

After returning back to Moscow in 2011, following my studies at Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation (GSAPP) in New York, I continued my active involvement in the architectural field. As a result of the exchange program, I organized and conducted several exhibitions, presentations, and meetings at MARCHI and the ArchMoscow exhibition.

Later, I assembled a group of graduates from the program to participate in an open architectural competition for young architects organized by the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art in 2013. Competing against more than 30 teams, we won first place, and our project for a temporary pavilion was realized.

In the following years, my team (AIAA), in various compositions, has continued to participate in different architectural events and competitions, such as the renovation of the Russian Pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale in 2020 and the temporary pavilion for the Garage Screen Summer Cinema in 2022 and etc.

Jan 2012 - current
 

Bureau BERNASKONI, Moscow, RU, Architect

One of the most significant projects I worked on during my time at Bernaskoni Architectural Bureau was the HYPERCUBE, the first building of the Skolkovo Innovation Center. This project was a pioneering architectural endeavor, involving the design of a transformable, multifunctional structure that set the foundation for future developments at Skolkovo. My contributions included developing the building’s concept and working closely with the team to ensure the innovative design aligned with the vision of the innovation hub.

In addition to this, I led the development of the model for the PERMMUSEUM in Perm as part of the 2010 ArchMoscow architectural event, and I participated in organizing and conducting the competition for the logo of the Yeltsin Center, Russia’s first presidential center.

Feb 2010 - Dec 2011
 

ALEXEY VORONTSOV ARCHITECTURAL BUREAU, Moscow, RU, Architect

After successfully completing my diploma project in urban planning at the Moscow Architectural Institute, I received an offer to join Alexey Vorontsov Architectural Bureau. I quickly became involved in a major urban planning project—the Science and Technology Park masterplan, which involved developing a small town for 30,000 people over a 100-hectare area in the Moscow Region. In addition to this, I worked on projects such as the Development of Planning Emphasis on Kutuzovsky Highway architectural competition and the Bakhmetevsky Bus Garage reconstruction. This role allowed me to focus on large-scale urban planning while honing my architectural design skills.

Jun 2007 - Feb 2009
 

ALEXEY VORONTSOV ARCHITECTURAL BUREAU, Moscow, RU, Junior Architect

My first professional experience in the architectural industry was at Alexey Vorontsov Architectural Bureau, where I was introduced to the workings of an architectural firm. I began my career by developing urban planning models and drafting plans in AutoCAD, which allowed me to build a solid technical foundation. During my time there, I worked on significant projects such as the New City Hall Building administration complex on New Arbat Street and the Multifunctional Complex for Siemens-System Corporation office towers on Leningradsky Highway.

Sep 2005 - Sep 2006
 

(EEA) Erick van Egeraat associated architects, Rotterdam, NL, Intern

During my pre-diploma internship at Erick van Egeraat Associated Architects (EEA) in Rotterdam in the summer of 2006, I had the opportunity to work on several significant projects, including the Mahler 4, De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek office tower in Amsterdam and the Glinki-Moika development in Saint Petersburg. My responsibilities included building a physical model of the Mahler 4 office tower, contributing to the development of its interior design, selecting materials and elements for the interior finishes, and drafting floor plans with detailed furniture layouts.

This experience provided me with invaluable insight into the Dutch school of architectural design, particularly its openness to bold, innovative solutions. I also gained firsthand experience working within a large, international team of architects and engineers, which significantly enriched my understanding of collaborative work in the architectural field. This internship not only enhanced my technical skills but also shaped my professional growth through exposure to Dutch design principles and practices.

Jun 2006 - Aug 2006
 

Education 

Columbia University, Columbia University, New York, USA , Master of Science (MSc), Advanced Architectural Design

In 2011-2012, I earned a Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University GSAPP. This program combined advanced theoretical knowledge with practical design skills, deepening my understanding of contemporary architectural challenges.

During the summer term of 2011, I worked under Toshihiro Oki on PROJECTING BEYOND THE BOWERY, exploring the future of the New Museum in New York, focusing on its evolution in response to societal dynamics.

In Fall 2011, I participated in the Moscow: Metropolis versus Global Metropolis studio, examining Moscow’s rapid transformations and its role as a modern global city.

In spring 2012, I joined the Identity Crisis studio with Phu Hoang, designing the Institute for Cities in a Box. The studio explored how identity crises could drive architectural design through non-linear, iterative processes.

Jun 2011 - Jun 2012
 

Moscow Architectural Institute (State Academy) - MArchI, Moscow, RU, Bachelors, The Faculty of Urban Planning

Studying at the Moscow Architectural Institute (MARCHI) from 2001 to 2007 provided me with the opportunity to engage in various architectural initiatives alongside academic work. I co-authored and edited the PDF magazines ARCHIPROBA (focused on a sensitive approach to architecture with Tamara Muradova) and INTERFACE (a publication exploring progressive architectural ideas with Boris Bernaskoni).

I also participated in a series of workshops and an exchange program between MARCHI and Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) from 2005 to 2007 under the guidance of Hein de Haan. Through his mentorship, I gained valuable insights into collaborative design and community-building through innovative architectural solutions.

In 2007, I curated an exhibition dedicated to the First Exhibition of Modern Architecture in 1927, which showcased the achievements of Soviet avant-garde and Constructivist architecture. This exhibition took place at the VKHUTEMAS Gallery in the MARCHI building.

Sep 2001 - Jun 2007
 

Awards 

Garage Summer Pavilion Design Award, 1st Place

Highlighting the unique opportunities that the Garage Center provides for artists, in 2012, Garage Director Anton Belov initiated a competition for young Russian architects to design a summer pavilion in collaboration with the Absolut Art Bureau. In 2013, I received an invitation to participate in this closed architectural competition to design the summer pavilion for the Garage Center for Contemporary Culture. To participate and develop the project concept, I decided to involve my colleagues, graduates of the Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design program from Columbia University GSAPP. After a detailed evaluation of all submitted proposals by an international jury, three architectural groups were given substantial grants to further develop their ideas, from which one was selected for construction. Our project was ultimately chosen as the winner.

The summer pavilion, designed by me together with Vasily Bantsekin, Maksim Khazanov, Sergey Nebotov, and Ilya Ternovenko (with contributions from Anastasia Balakireva and Olga Lebedeva), consisted of a cascade of circular canopies, creating an open and comfortable space for relaxation and outdoor events. The temporary nature of the structure allowed us to apply bold and creative design approaches, fully showcasing architectural possibilities. The pavilion became a key feature of the Garage Center during the summer, offering visitors various activities, including access to an open library and Wi-Fi, a children's playground, table tennis, badminton, concerts, lectures, and children's workshops. Due to its popularity, the structure remained in use throughout 2014 as well.

Winning this competition was not only an important milestone in my professional career but also provided a unique experience in creating a significant public space that became a popular meeting and relaxation spot for Garage Center visitors.

2013
 

‘Best Students Diploma Works Exibition’, 14 International Exhibition of Architecture and Design, Arch Moscow, Russia, Award

My diploma project, dedicated to the redevelopment of the city of Chernogolovka and the construction of a Technopark in its territory, was selected for the 'Best Students Diploma Works Exhibition' at the 14th International Exhibition of Architecture and Design, Arch Moscow, Russia. This prestigious event showcased outstanding student works in the fields of architecture and design, providing a platform to present innovative urban planning concepts.

2009
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills