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Michail PosokhinFull member of the Russian Academy of Arts
Date of Birth: 10.07.1948
Country:  Russia |
Content:
- Early Life and Family
- Education and Training
- Professional Career
- Civic Architecture
- Central Moscow Developments
- Restoration of Christ the Savior Cathedral
- Major Architectural Contributions
- Innovative Subterranean Urbanism
- Multifunctional Architecture
- Recognition and Awards
- - Merited Architect of the Russian Federation
- - Order of Honor
- - Reconstruction of the Bolshoi Theater's historic building
- - Reconstruction and restoration of the Grand Kremlin Palace
Mikhail Mikhailovich Posokhin: A Renowned Soviet and Russian Architect
Early Life and Family
Mikhail Mikhailovich Posokhin was born in Moscow in 1948. His father, Mikhail Vasilyevich Posokhin, was a prominent architect and urbanist who greatly influenced his son's career. His mother, Galina Arkadievna Popova, was an accomplished actress at the Moscow Art Theatre.
Education and Training
Posokhin graduated from the Moscow Architectural Institute in 1972. He concurrently completed a postgraduate degree at MARCHI and interned at the University of Montreal in 1974-1975.
Professional Career
Early ProjectsPosokhin began his professional journey in the workshop of academician Ya.B. Belopolsky at the Mosproekt-1 Design Institute. He worked on numerous projects, including the representative office of the "Robotron" company and the modern residential neighborhoods in Ulan-Bator, Mongolia.
Civic Architecture
From 1982 onwards, Posokhin headed the architectural and planning workshop of Mosproekt-2. He led the design of several iconic civic buildings, including the VNIIPAS and MNIIPU research institutes in the Cheryomushki district (1980s), the administrative building on Varvarka Street, and the contemporary residential quarters in the city of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Central Moscow Developments
In the 1990s, Posokhin spearhead several complex and large-scale projects shaping Moscow's central district. These included the reconstruction of the Moscow City Hall, the restoration of the State Duma building (former "House of the Council of People's Commissars"), and the conceptual design for the Russian Parliament Center near the Kremlin.
Restoration of Christ the Savior Cathedral
Posokhin was appointed the chief architect for the restoration of the Christ the Savior Cathedral. He played a pivotal role in conceptualizing and overseeing the project, which involved meticulous attention to historical accuracy and the incorporation of modern technological advancements.
Major Architectural Contributions
Collaborative ProjectsPosokhin collaborated with his father, Mikhail Vasilyevich Posokhin, on many projects, including the renowned New Arbat Street and the State Kremlin Palace.
Innovative Subterranean Urbanism
Many of Posokhin's projects feature extensive use of underground spaces, creating vibrant and functional multi-level urban environments, as exemplified by the Manezhnaya Square Trade and Recreation Complex.
Multifunctional Architecture
Posokhin's work often incorporates diverse functions within a single building, such as the State Duma headquarters, which also houses the restored "House of the Council of People's Commissars".
Recognition and Awards
Posokhin is a highly decorated architect, having received numerous awards, including:
- Merited Architect of the Russian Federation
- Laureate of the State Prize of the Russian Federation- Full member of the Russian Academy of Arts, the Academy of Architectural Heritage, and the International Academy of Architecture
- Order of Honor
- Order of St. Sergius of Radonezh, 3rd Class- Order of the Holy Blessed Prince Daniel of Moscow, 2nd Class
Current Endeavors
Posokhin continues to lead significant architectural projects in Moscow, including:
- Reconstruction of the Bolshoi Theater's historic building
- Transformation of New Arbat Street into a pedestrian boulevard- Conceptual design for a two-tier underground parking structure in the Vodootvodny Channel
- Reconstruction and restoration of the Grand Kremlin Palace
- Design of the fountain in the center of the Kutuzovsky Prospekt square
