Exhibition For Russia with Love Berlin
- Design: 2003
- Realisation: 2003
- Client: Aedes East Berlin
- Gross Floor Area: 60m2
The completion of the first Eastern Europe Head office of ING Bank and Nationale Nederlanden in 1994 marked a major step in the Eastward progression of Erick van Egeraats’ work. Since then he has steadily worked on a number of projects in Hungary, Czech Republic and Poland. Inspired by the richness of the architecture of these Eastern European countries, Erick van Egeraat set out to develop a contemporary response to their architectural heritage; an architecture that can inspire, offering temptation as well as solace. Connecting the demands of contemporary life with the quality of the historical surroundings, he defines his approach to architecture as "Modern Baroque". For Erick van Egeraat, working in the Russian Federation has proven to be an entirely different experience compared to his previous activities in Eastern Europe. Russian culture is one of complexity and richness, with architecture as a silent witness of historical growth and change. In the old city center of Moscow, around the Kremlin and the Red square, superb buildings of the 15th century stand aside functionalist structures from the 1920’s; and rich decoration is alternated by steel and glass. Reconnection with global developments in the 1990’s has given way to yet another development in the city’s architectural life. Amidst this rich heritage, Erick van Egeraatseeks to express a new sensuality, catering for the new lifestyle of Russia’s citizen. His projects, - housing as well as offices and entertainment-, express a desire to bridge the potential gap between progress and development on one side and the quality of historic architecture on the other.