- Project: FRAME Workplace
- Architect: Babayants Architects
- Location: Russia, Moscow
- Area: 69700 m2
Babayants Architects has completed the public spaces of the FRAME workplace, a 69,700-square-meter office tower in Moscow’s Republic quarter. With its 5,647 m² grand lobby, the project redefines what a premium corporate environment can be—merging architectural clarity with cultural resonance.
Architectural Concept – Portals as Frames of Space
The lobby is shaped around an elongated hall structured by columns, inspiring a concept of spatial portals. These frames define functional zones within the lobby, guiding movement while creating memorable visual rhythms.
This design strategy establishes double-sided permeability, where transparency and openness enhance the visitor’s experience. The result is a dynamic lobby that is both functional and representational, giving companies within the tower an identity of prestige.
Materiality and the Power of Terracotta
A hallmark of the design is the terracotta color palette—a warm, earthy hue visible from the street. This bold gesture establishes a dialogue with Moscow’s historic red-brick buildings, rooting the tower in its urban context.
Complementary materials include:
-
Natural stone surfaces that add texture and permanence.
-
Metal panels with glowing terracotta stripes in the elevator zone.
-
Glass and layered lighting that amplify depth and atmosphere.
The combination of organic stone and geometric frames creates a balance between solidity and vibrancy, enhancing both aesthetic and emotional resonance.
Integrated Design – Café and Elevator Zones
The first-floor café reflects the same refined design language as the lobby. A rectangular counter, framed by illuminated portals, invites informal meetings and social encounters.
The elevator area acts as a vertical landmark, clad in striped terracotta-toned metal and backed by a statement wall of natural stone. This integration ensures consistency across public spaces, reinforcing the workplace’s identity as a premium environment.
For more inspiration, see Modern Office Lobby Designs.
A Landmark Lobby for Contemporary Workplaces
The FRAME workplace lobby transcends its role as a circulation space. It serves as:
-
A first impression of the companies it houses.
-
A social hub where employees and visitors can meet or relax.
-
A functional environment that balances productivity with architectural storytelling.
By merging bold terracotta forms, natural textures, and a portal-based spatial framework, Babayants Architects has created a lobby that feels timeless, contextual, and forward-looking.
