On October 6, 2014, Moscow’s Evolution Tower was reported completed and put into operation, marking an important milestone in the development of the Moscow International Business Center, commonly known as Moscow City. The distinctive skyscraper emerged as one of the most recognisable pieces of commercial real estate in the Russian capital and symbolised Moscow’s shift towards a modern high rise financial and corporate district.

Located on Presnenskaya Embankment, the tower rises 246 metres and contains 55 storeys. Its most striking architectural feature is its twisting form, with successive floors rotating relative to one another to create the appearance of a spiralling structure. Moscow City’s own development history says each floor turns by around three degrees, producing an overall twist of approximately 156 degrees.

The project evolved from an earlier concept known as City Palace. Its final design was developed by Gorproject, building on an original spiral tower concept associated with RMJM. Construction began in 2011, while the engineering and design work incorporated modern energy efficiency and building-services requirements.

From a real estate perspective, Evolution Tower represented more than an architectural statement. It became part of Moscow City’s wider emergence as a concentrated cluster of premium offices, corporate headquarters, retail space and high-value commercial property. The tower’s completion helped strengthen the business district’s visual identity and reinforced the role of high rise development in reshaping Moscow’s commercial property market.

The building later became closely associated with Russian pipeline company Transneft, which acquired the property for its headquarters. Its distinctive profile and location within Moscow City have since made Evolution Tower one of the best known examples of contemporary Russian commercial architecture.

The 246 metre twisting office tower in Moscow City became a landmark of Russia’s transformation towards modern business districts and large scale premium commercial development

Source(s) :

Moscow City development history