The building of the russian academy of sciences

Twenty two-story building complex consist of two square towers, set very close to each other on an extensive stilobat that hides a conservatory and concert hall. It is known mostly for a metal decor on the roof , which gave the complex ironic name "Golden brains".

Construction of the complex was visible and symbolic sunset late Soviet state investment in science. The decision to erect this huge building was made in 1966 but the constructions began only in 1974. The building was constructed over twenty years, the office part was put into operation in 1990 , and a large concert hall was ready only by 1997.

Construction slowed at first by complex soils and wrong choice of location from an engineering point of view, as well as a try to build a really high-quality and high-tech building.

The project was led by architect Yury Platonov of GIPRONII, continuing (or ending) Alexei Shchusev’s tradition of placing research institutes and academic buildings on the south- west of Moscow in 1930-s’. Now this buildings by Shchusev and Iofan, huddled near Gagarin Square, right "under the feet" of the Presidium.

Stylistically, the building marks a smooth transition from the late Soviet modernism - an ambitious and dramatic semi-abstract monumental art - the post-Soviet postmodernism - Favorite Yuri Luzhkov "towers" style (although , in contrast to Western post-modern , rich intellectual game , devoid of any hint of humor).

Decorative designs on the roof , chimney hoods hiding , elevator shafts , antennas and restaurant gave not only the popular name throughout the Presidium of RAS , but also, without any jokes, created a new high-altitude dominating the south -west of the Moskva River, which has not updated its silhouette from the 1950s years.