Second Place Winner
The Corridor of Convergence
Design by
Yuxin Pan & Veronika Alifanova
Juror’s Comment:
Clear spatial metaphor: walking through cultures along the Silk Road is intuitive and effective.
Strong master planning logic and cultural zoning.
Good balance between traditional architectural language and contemporary form.
Water integration adds symbolic and spatial richness.
Work on:
Introduce a signature experiential or spatial moment that elevates the project beyond a well-designed cultural complex.
Yuxin Pan & Veronika Alifanova
Pan Yuxin is a fourth-year architecture student at the Moscow Architectural Institute (State Academy). Studying and living in different countries has broadened her understanding of diverse cultures and artistic practices. In 2025, she was shortlisted among the top 30 entries in the Rural Readingscape Library design competition and has gained practical experience through her work in architectural studios. Her architectural approach combines human-centered design, aesthetic rigor, and respect for cultural continuity, aiming to create architecture that is functional, accessible, and purposeful.
Veronika Alifanova is a fourth-year student at the Moscow Architectural Institute (State Academy). Her focus is on public spaces and their role in shaping urban communities. Her approach is grounded in deep engagement with context and people, where aesthetic expression emerges from functional and social analysis. She believes architecture must be responsible and strives to create projects that are relevant to their time and place.
Celebrating Creativity & Vision
Winner’s Spotlight: An Exclusive Interview
Discover the story behind the victory — from concept to creation.
Concept and Vision
The project understands “global interconnectedness” as a process of cultural exchange and integration, rather than merely physical connection. This is reflected in the historical interactions of civilizations that shaped societal development.
At the core of the narrative is the Silk Road as a network of cultural exchange between East and West. It begins in China and spreads across the world, creating a connection that transcends time and space.
Architecturally, this idea is expressed through a “system of connections”: a bridge link different zones and exhibition spaces, turning the building into a “modern Silk Road.”
Experiential Approach
In this project, cultural experience is understood as a multisensory process. Traditional courtyards, through materials, and nature, create an atmosphere that allows visitors to sense tactile and olfactory changes.
Stages on the bridge is intended for traditional music and dance, enhancing auditory perception.
The central area is used as a temporary exhibition space where festivals are presented through textiles, spices, performances, 3D projections, and VR, creating an immersive experience.
Cultural Representation
The project relies on historical research and regional analysis to understand the characteristics of each culture and avoid superficial copying.
The design emphasizes spatial organization, materials and festive experiences, abstracting traditional elements and integrating them into a modern architectural language while maintaining respect for cultural differences.
Temporary exhibitions allow for continuous renewal of displays, turning the museum into an open platform for cultural exchange.
Architectural Language
The project balances regional expression and overall coherence through a unified system of materials and forms.
In the area located on the water, traditional motifs are expressed abstractly, concrete and curvilinear forms create unity.
The area located on the land is based on Asian traditional structures and Chinese spatial characteristics, using the same white concrete to maintain overall cohesion.
Consistent material of the bridge also becomes the main connection.
Spatial Organization
Zoning and circulation follow the historical sequence of the Silk Road. A continuous path passes through different countries, creating a sense of cultural journey.
Each hall has its own atmosphere, while the central temporary exhibition focuses on festivals, showing different ways of celebration and enhancing visitor’s emotional connection.
Technology and Interaction
Technology plays a supporting role in the project and does not dominate visually. Through spatial sound, AR, and other interactive tools, a multisensory experience is created that helps visitors to understand historical contexts without overshadowing the architecture and cultural content.
Sustainability and Accessibility
Sustainability and accessibility are integrated from the early design stages. The project considers people with disabilities: elevators, ramps, and universal design ensure equal access to all spaces.
From an environmental perspective, passive strategies are used: water and courtyards create a microclimate that improves ventilation and comfort. The use of durable concrete reduces energy consumption and operational costs.
Message to the World
We hope the museum will help people to understand better the traditions of different nations, feel the historical depth, and appreciate cultural diversity. This is the meaning of global interconnectedness - acceptance, openness, and respect for differences.
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