CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY NEEDS NEW SYMBOLS Times have changed, and we no longer build, as we did during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, cathedrals which symbolised our spiritual victory over death, chaos and destruction, and which embodied the extent of what humankind could achieve at that time.
Constructed to the very limit of what could be achieved with the technology and materials available at the time, they reflected the image and impression of the world of contemporary society that was oft repeated in frescoes, stained-glass windows, sculpture and music. They were centres in which was reflected the understanding of the past and the relationship towards the present of the people who built them.
Since that time, our perception of the world around us has altered radically, our horizons have broadened, and today we possess limitless opportunities thanks to the materials, technologies and means of expression that we now command. However, the greater the possibilities, the more frequently we show a complete helplessness when faced with the task of synthesising our knowledge and world view into a unified whole which extends beyond the bounds of the utilitarian, and it often seems that the people who built those cathedrals were a great deal bolder then than we are now.
Nevertheless, we cannot refute the fact that modern society needs new symbols which reflect the same issues which confronted the people who built beautiful cities many centuries ago, moreover we understand that we cannot live on monuments to the past alone, and we are now confronted with the necessity to create new projects which reflect the epoch in which we are living. These thoughts form the principal motive which led us to create the Heart of Malta complex, a monument which bears within its form a reminder of the merciless power and unpredictability of nature, and is intended to become what the cathedrals of the past became – the quintessence of our contemporary culture as it desperately strives to break the bounds of what it possible.
We see this project as an open window into the future, and a proud response to the vicissitudes of our own history and destiny.
I would like to remind those who separate the terms “natural” and “human” when discussing integration of structures into a natural context, that a human
being’s consciousness is also a part of nature, and also lives according to her immutable laws, and that such a separation looks at the very least presumptive.
We are, after all, also a part of nature, just one which possesses self-awareness and the ability to interpret that which occurs around us.In spite of the superficial impression of being in conflict with the environment, what we have in this project is an example of the ultimate conceptual and architectural integration of a structure into its physical context, meaning that here we can speak of a successful solution which goes beyond the bounds of the concept of urbanisation. The image of an Azure Window built from steel, one which reflects the sky, the land, and the sea – this is a very powerful image.
Therefore we are confident that we have been able to fully and faithfully reflect in our project the interaction of humanity and nature, the theme of downfall and prevailing, as a fundamental leitmotif for contemporary culture, having created an architectural design with its own drama and story, and whose familiar silhouette, in the edges of which reality itself dissolves, will intrigue and fascinate many people all over the world, and will reflect in the best possible way the spirit of Malta’s past.
Svetozar Andreev
СВЕТОЗАР АНДРЕЕВ, АРХИТЕКТОР / ДИЗАЙНЕР ИНТЕРЬЕРА
Родился в 1975м году в Санкт-Петербурге. С 1997-го работает, как самостоятельный дизайнер и архитектор. Основное направление работы:
архитектурное проектирование и девелопмент, дизайн интерьера, разработка эксклюзивной мебели, предметов интерьера и графический дизайн. Автор множество интерьерных и архитектурных проектов, и коллекций эксклюзивной мебели. Работы Светозара Андреева отмечены премиями и номинациями, неоднократно занимали первые места в международных конкурсах Проекты Светозара Андреева регулярно публикуются в основных россиийских и зарубежных изданиях, посвященных дизайну интерьера и архитектуре, появлялись на обложках журналов. В настоящее время Светозар Андреев CEO собственной студии Hotei-Russia / The Svetozar Andreev Studio и работает как архитектор и дизайнер интерьера.
- Номинант конкурса ARCHIP «Международная Архитектурная Премия 2007» В номинации "Новаторство"
- Первое место конкурса Sobaka.ru «Лучшие дизайнеры и интерьеры 2009» В номинации "Лучший частный интерьер"
- Первое место конкурса Sobaka.ru «Лучшие дизайнеры и интерьеры 2007» В номинации "Лучший частный интерьер"
- Финалист конкурса журнала Sobaka.ru «Лучшие дизайнеры и интерьеры 2008» В номинации "Лучший частный интерьер"
- Победитель конкурса ARCHIP «Международная Архитектурная Премия 2006» В номинации "Новаторство"
СТУДИЯ СВЕТОЗАРА АНДРЕЕВА / HOTEI`RUSSIA это международная проектная группа, основанная архитектором и дизайнером Светозаром Андреевым, занятая разработкой ультрасовременных архитектурных проектов общественных и частных объектов недвижимости, девелоперским проектами
в различных странах мира, проектами реконструкции зданий, интерьерным дизайном, разработкой эксклюзивных предметов интерьера и мебели, а также, созданием фирменного стиля компаний. Нами разработано и реализовано множество проектов различного назначения и сложности, которые отмечены международными наградами и премиями, и регулярно публикуются ведущими изданиями, посвященными современной архитектуре и дизайну.
THE SVETOZAR ANDREEV STUDIO / HOTEI`RUSSIA is an international architectural group founded by architect and interior designer Svetozar Andreev, which specialises in the design of cutting-edge commercial and residential architectural projects and real estate development worldwide. Our portfolio includes, historical building renovations, landscape and interior design, exclusive interior pieces and furniture, exhibition design and corporate branding. Our group has devised and implemented an array of projects of varying function and complexity, works which have won awards in numerous architectural competitions. Our projects are regularly covered by leading international printed and online media devoted to contemporary architecture and interior design
“…All my projects, irrespective of their outward differences, are created according to one principle. They consist of the creation of a pure space which gives a person maximum freedom. I strive to rid my projects of superfluous objects, unnecessary forms and adornments. Light, colour, texture, impeccable proportions and well thought-out solutions create an aesthetic which speaks for itself. Svetozar Andreev
Architect Svetozar Andreev has drawn up the design for a multifunction exhibition complex called The Heart of Malta, to be constructed on the site of the world famous Azure Window, which was destroyed by a storm in March 2017. The complex, with its spiral structure and incorporating over 5000sqm of exhibition space, is destined to become a new architectural and cultural landmark for Malta and Gozo, and a monument to the iconic arch. The space within the complex is designed to accommodate dynamic laser shows and digital exhibitions devoted to Maltese and international art, history and culture, as well as concerts, TV broadcasts, and other events.