Using the rich experience of practical restoration, now about Andrey Anisimov, one of the leading church architects in Moscow, designed and built more than fifty different church buildings, from chapels and iconostases to temple complexes. The architect heads the "Association of Restorers" and his own workshops, which carry out both construction and restoration, and often interior decoration, including iconostases, murals, etc.

After decades of persecution of the church, the first modern the temple in Russia was built only in 1986-1988. - this is a brick church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Belgorod diocese, the village of Sukharevo (project manager - architect Andrey Rodygin). According to Andrey Anisimov, this first temple, made in the style of Pskov architecture, set a very high standard. " It is very simple, built with the maximum observance of traditional technologies, high-quality materials were used in its construction - copper, good brick, lime plaster. The space inside the temple was very well organized. It meets many requirements that it would be good to put forward as criteria for modern church architecture, but, unfortunately, this example was not picked up by the masses, and this direction gradually began to die.».

Vvedensky temple in the village. Sukharevo, arch. A. Rodygin, 1986 One of the first new churches in the resurgent Russia. Built in the Kursk-Belgorod diocese, consecrated in 1988.

And yet, in your opinion, is it possible to say today that the style of the new temple architecture has been formed?

The temple always reflects the state of society, and the presence of a large number of unsuccessful projects indicates some kind of regression. The main problem is that both on the part of customers and designers, random people, not professionals, work in this area. Today we need to form a professional community of church (and not only) architects, a team that will understand the goals and tasks set for it. Therefore, we have a "Guild of Temple Builders", which is trying to gather all the participants in the process so that it is possible to create worthy works of art, even if their budget is relatively small.

I never get tired of repeating - to build beautifully and ugly costs almost the same money. These are the same two wagons of brick, only folded differently. You need to spend money on a professional architect, on an experienced construction manager. Ideally, of course, the architect should not only design the temple, but also build it himself. For example, for Andrei Rodygin this was fundamental, as it is for me now. In general, life has shown even more than that - the temple should not only be built, but also an iconostasis should be made, the interior space should be decorated, painted, and all work should be brought to consecration. Because the project and the result are two completely different things.

- It remains to convince the customer of this ...

This is the Soviet system - one designs, the other builds. Moreover, the one who designs does not always know how the temple is arranged. I believe that in church architecture everything is closely connected with each other, one is an addition to the other. To avoid conflicts, one person should be at the head of the construction site. And this man is an architect. And he must create a team: he must immediately sit down to design together with the master who will make the iconostasis, with the artist or mosaicist, with the one who will be responsible for lighting, for good, study with them the computer model of the temple in order to understand whether the elements are arranged correctly .

In addition, the church architect must take into account the acoustics and correctly hang the bells, and often develop utensils and even vestments.

- Are young architects ready to work in this vein?

Of course, we are ready, look at the composition of our company - it's all youth! But the fact is that sometimes young people get carried away, and they decide for themselves - from today I begin to design modern churches. This position, although not entirely practical, and I even encourage my graduate students at the Moscow Architectural Institute to do this a little, the search for new ideas and the creation of paper architecture is not forbidden. But you can’t argue “everything modern is wonderful, and everything traditional is bad.”

In my opinion, there can be no revolution in church architecture. There should be a smooth evolution, taking into account traditions and functional purpose.

The tradition of church architecture is very voluminous and diverse, is it necessary to focus on a particular style or era?

Temples are different - there are grand-ducal, royal, which many also focus on. But this often does not make sense! For example, in the Church of the Ascension in Kolomenskoye there is a tiny square for worshipers, because there was only the tsar and his family. And the height of this temple is enormous, which is beautiful but impractical, not to mention the cost per square meter. Also, we cannot take the Church of the Intercession-on-Nerl as an analogue. Indeed, it is very beautiful, but this is a grand-ducal temple, and it is focused on a specific service. It is impossible to take ancient monastic churches as a basis, because they are monastic and do not perform certain functions that are now needed for a parish church.

We often focus on ancient, Byzantine projects. In my opinion, the highest point in the development of church architecture in Russia is Pskov architecture.

- How to fit the traditional architecture of the temple into the modern urban development?

An architect, of course, can satisfy his ambitions, disguise a temple as a skyscraper, but they will not go to it, and this is the worst thing. We live in a certain rhythm, at a certain speed. For example, we are speeding past Moscow City at a speed of 120 km/h, huge towers merge into a single whole. And at the same time, the eye instantly grabs the tiny church of St. Seraphim of Sarov on Krasnopresnenskaya embankment. It is made of natural stone, with carving elements. If an object of glass and concrete had been in its place, we would never have noticed it. Yes, such a temple fits perfectly into the environment, but we don’t even perceive it as a church. The Church is a different world, it must be recognizable, have a certain sign.

The project of the temple for 600 parishioners, participant of the competition "Modern architectural design of the image of the Orthodox Church", 2013 G.

- Could you give an example of a project that would successfully combine modern look and traditions?

When we held an exhibition last year based on the results of the competition for the image of a modern church, I noted one project for myself. It was made absolutely modern - in the form of a cube, then there was such an intermediate element in the form of an uneven wall plastered with lime mortar with two windows, and in front there was a small chapel that served as an entrance to this temple. Thanks to this screen, it successfully stood out against its background.

Should a modern temple acquire some additional functions? For example, children's playgrounds and parking lots are now being built at temples. Does it suit his purpose?

I am very positive about this. The modern temple is distinguished by the richness of its functions. Previously, the life of a Russian person was centered around the church, so the church was always in the center in the planning plan. And today a shopping center has taken its place.

To be able to carry out its function, the church must be a self-sufficient organism. The fact that there are playgrounds, parking lots, various social services at the church is very important.

At the same time, it is necessary to build as cheaply as possible, allocate a large area for temples, and attract as many people as possible. And build complexes, not individual structures! To be an organism with a powerful social function. Most of the temples that we design usually include a playground, parking, rehabilitation rooms. Many do not know this, but each parish now has its own social function: children's sections, family centers, rehabilitation of alcoholics, drug addicts, there are even sports and biker clubs.

For example, there is such a temple in Usovo, Rublevo-Uspenskoe highway. This is an example of a modern complex that has a theater, a lecture hall where classes are held, and children's classes. The Elisabeth-Sergiev Enlightenment Society is working, life is in full swing there around the clock. Today, the functions of the temple do not end with “come, pray and leave,” this should not be.

Low-budget temple for 150 people.

Several complexes are being built in Moscow under the 200 Temples program. Do you think these projects can be called successful?

You know, at one time I was even written down as an opponent of the construction of temples of the “Program 200”. This is not at all true, many years ago I wrote an article called "Russia is a lot of small churches." I am a supporter of the construction of temples, only by slightly different methods. We are trying to make inexpensive churches for Moscow, and they have already received approval from the Financial and Economic Department of the Moscow Patriarchate.

We are talking about temples made of gas silicate blocks and without vaults. They are designed in the early Christian spirit, close to Pskov architecture. This is a simple form, good proportions and a specially organized space for the liturgy.

It is these criteria that are required for the temple, and not all sorts of “ruffles”, fake gold and the like. And then the trustees will build huge churches, and the priests have to maintain them - heat them, pay monthly utility bills, look for money to repair and maintain this structure. Customers also need to be educated.

- Wooden churches are much cheaper than brick ones, is it worth developing this direction today?

It is not entirely advisable to build modern wooden temples. First, they burn. Secondly, they are in dissonance with urban stone buildings. But recently I was in Murmansk, where they built a whole monastery in a tree. I was just blown away - quality wood, absolutely traditional details, wonderfully designed, built without hack. So you can still build from wood! But, I emphasize, it must be real architecture, you cannot pass off "pseudo" for wooden architecture.

Born in 1960 in Moscow. In 1977 he entered the Moscow Architectural Institute (MARHI). While studying at the full-time department, he worked in various design institutes, including in 1980-81 in the 6th workshop of the SPETSPROEKTRESTAVRATSIYA Institute, where he took part in expeditions to identify and measure monuments of wooden architecture in Karelia. At the same time, at the Moscow Institute of Architecture, he organized several student expeditions to Karelia, the Arkhangelsk region and the Kola Peninsula under the "North" program.

In 1981, he headed the student construction team of the Moscow Architectural Institute, which was engaged in the restoration of the Resurrection Church in the village of Susanino, Kostroma Region, an architectural monument of the 17th century, known from the painting by A. Savrasov “The Rooks Have Arrived”. The diploma work received the First Degree Diploma of the Union of Architects of the USSR at the All-Union Competition of Diploma Projects of Architectural Universities.

After graduating from the institute and serving in the army, after working for a short time in one of the design institutes in Moscow, he left for the young, under construction city of Kogalym, Khanty-Mansiysk Okrug, Tyumen Region, where in 1986 he was appointed chief architect of the city, head of the department for construction and architecture of the City Executive Committee. In 1987, he created the Creative Association under the Archfund of the Union of Architects of the USSR and since that time has been engaged in independent creative and production activities, focusing his efforts on the restoration of architectural monuments, but more on the design and construction of new churches. Under his authorial leadership, many original projects of Orthodox churches, chapels, clergy houses, entire temple complexes, and striking examples of modern church architecture were developed and implemented.

In 1994 he registered the Association of Restorers, in 2004 - Andrey Anisimov Workshops. These organizations carried out work on the restoration, conservation, reconstruction of many architectural monuments both according to their own projects (under the guidance of the Honored Architect of Russia N. D. Nedovich, the scientific supervisor of these organizations), and in cooperation with leading architects - restorers of Russia: Stepanova E. V. ., Zhurin O. I., Sharapov V. N., Shitova L. A., Demidov S. V., Bykovskaya N. A., Orlovsky S. P. and many others.

Works and achievements

Restoration

The following restored objects can be noted:

• Nativity Monastery, Moscow, arch. Stepanova E. V.
• Churches of the hospital of the Moscow Patriarchy, Moscow, arch. Anisimov A. A., Sharapov V. N.
• Shamorda desert, Kaluga region, arch. Anisimov A. A., Sharapov V. N.
• Staro-Golutvin Monastery, Kolomna, arch. Orlovsky S.P.
• Church of Maron the Hermit on Yakimanka, Moscow, arch. Shitova L. A., the work was awarded the Diploma of the Government of Moscow "For the best restoration" in 2000
• Church of Peter and Paul, arch. Nedovich N. D., Anisimov A. A., the work was awarded the Diploma of the Government of Moscow "For the best restoration" 2002
• Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Pokrovsky, Moscow, arch. Sharapov V. N.
• Bell tower of the Church of St. Nicholas in Golutvin, Moscow, arch. Stepanova E.V., recreation.
• Trinity Cathedral in the Anosin Monastery, M. O., architect. Rodygin A. V., recreation.
• Iversky Monastery, Valdai, Tver region subcontract.
• Trinity Church, restoration, clergy house, reconstruction of the bell tower, Nazarevo, M. O. arch. Anisimov A. A.
• Nikolsky Cathedral of the Nikolsky Chernoostrovsky Monastery, Maloyaroslavets, Kaluga Region, architect. Sharapov V. N., Anisimov A. A.
• Church of the Savior in the village Ubory, M.O., architect. Pustovalov, Anisimov A. A.
• Temple of Alexy the Man of God in the Repne Manor (Voronezh Region), Ruk. group of authors Anisimov A. A., leading architect Tikhanovskaya A. S., architect Morozova N. V.

Church building projects

The revival of spiritual life in the new Russia demanded to try oneself in a new capacity - in the role of a church architect. Using the experience of practical restoration, and having his own idea of ​​modern church art and architecture, Andrei Anisimov designed and built more than fifty different church structures from chapels and iconostases to temple complexes. The projects are based on analogues of ancient Russian church architecture and motifs of Byzantine art, as well as a study of the experience of architects at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Some of the most notable completed works include:

• Temple-monument of Dmitry Solunsky in Bullfinches, M.O.
• Church of the Nativity of the Virgin in Balakirev, Vladimir region.
• Church of Alexander Nevsky in Sofrino, M.O.
• Chapel of St. blgv. book. Vladimir in Luzhniki
• Church of the Intercession of the Holy Mother of God in Krasnoe, Kaluga region
• Church of the Intercession of the Virgin in the village. Glukhovo, Nizhny Novgorod region
• Church of the Beheading of John the Baptist in Brateevo, Moscow

Of those designed and under construction:

• Temple complex of the Spaso-Kizhi Patriarchal Compound in Petrozavodsk
• Church of Alexander Nevsky on about. Balaam.
• Church of Peter and Paul in the Krasnodar Territory.
• Church of the New Martyrs of Solovetsky in Moscow.
• Church of the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste in Konakovo, Tver region
• Project for the reconstruction of the Temple of Florus and Laurus on Myasnitskaya, Moscow.
• Church of St. George the Victorious in Gorki X, M. O.
• Travel Palace of Queen Elizabeth, reconstruction, Taininskoye, M.O.
• Temple complex of All Saints in Novye Cheryomushki, Moscow
• Church of the Icon of the Mother of God "Education" in Nekrasovka, Moscow,
• Church of the Holy New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia in Zarechye, Odintsovo district, Moscow region,
• Temple in the name of St. Faith, Hope, Love and their mother Sophia on Leninsky Prospekt in Moscow,
• St. Vladimir's Church in Korolyov,
• A number of chapels, fences with the Holy Gates, houses of the clergy, etc.

It should be noted that the construction and restoration are carried out mainly by the "Association of Restorers" and "Andrei Anisimov Workshops". Also, the “Partnership” includes various applied workshops: white stone, mosaic, icon painting, gilding, etc., which allows us to complete the construction of the temple on a turnkey basis. That is, iconostases, murals, mosaics and majolica are carried out in full from design to implementation.

Iconostasis, murals, decoration

• Church of the Nativity of the Virgin in Nadovrazhino, M.O.
• Church of the Icon of the Mother of God "Search for the Lost" in Chelyabinsk.
• Church of St. Martyr Eustathius in Kamenskoye, M.O.
• Temple complex of St. Vladimir Skete on about. Balaam.
• Church of Michael the Archangel, Pushchino, M.O.
• Church of Michael the Archangel, Mikhailovskaya Sloboda, M.O.
• The baptismal church of St. George's Cathedral in Odintsovo.
• St. Andrew's Church in the Resurrection Skete on about. Balaam.
• Chapel of Mary of Egypt in the Sretensky Monastery, Moscow.
• Nikolsky Cathedral of the Nikolsky Chernoostrovsky Monastery, Maloyaroslavets, Kaluga Region,
• Church of the Holy Image of the Savior in Usovo, Odintsovo district, Moscow region.

In the "Association of Restorers" and "Andrei Anisimov Workshops" they worked in different years and are currently working, as well as creatively collaborating with Andrei Albertovich Anisimov, leading modern church architects: M. Yu. Kesler, D. S. Sokolov, Yu. G. Alonov, V. I. Kozlov, I. P. Kanaev, P. Sergeev, E. Yu. Ogorodova and others, as well as artists: Archimandrite Zinon (Theodor), Archpriest Vladislav Provatorov, I. L. Lubennikov, A. A Zhivaev, A.F. Kamelin and many others.

Awards

State awards: Honorary title - Honored Architect of the Russian Federation.

Awarded with awards of the Russian Orthodox Church:

• Order of Daniel of Moscow
• Order of Sergius of Radonezh,
• Order of Andrei Rublev,
• Medal of Sergius of Radonezh,
• Medal of Daniel of Moscow,
• Bishop's Letters.

Awarded with public awards:

• Order "For the True Faith"
• Order badge "Ruby Cross of Glory",
• Badge of the Order of Saint Alexander Nevsky,
• Order "For the Service of Russia"
• Order "Saint Sophia"
• Order "For professional honor, dignity and honorable business reputation"

• Member of the Union of Architects.
• Active member, academician of the Academy of Architectural Heritage.
• Co-founder of the Guild of Architects and Engineers (GARHI).
• Co-founder of the Russian Association of Restorers.

He has diplomas and certificates of the Union of Architects of Russia, the "Association of Restorers" twice received the Diploma of the Government of Moscow "For the best restoration". Permanent participant of specialized exhibitions-festivals of church art "Orthodox Russia", "Light of the World", etc. Participant of exhibitions in the Museum of the History of Moscow in the White Chambers and in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.

• Diploma at the International Exhibition DENKMAL 2008 in Leipzig,
• Silver Diploma of the International Festival "ARCHITECTURE".

Charity

Conducts its own charitable and trustee programs:

• Temple of Michael the Archangel (Mikhailovskaya Sloboda, MO);
• School number 2, pos. Tumbotino, Nizhny Novgorod region;
• Orphanage "Joy" at the St. Nicholas Chernoostrovsky Monastery, Maloyaroslavets, Kaluga region;
• Holy Trinity Monastery of Mercy, Saraktash, Orenburg region;
• Valaam Spaso-Preobrazhensky Stavropegic Male Monastery;
• Charitable Foundation "The Way of Kindness", Moscow;
• Journal "Neskuchny Sad" (Orthodox magazine);
• Charitable Foundation "Ray of Childhood"

Association of Restorers. Andrey Anisimov Workshops is an organization engaged in the restoration, design, construction, and decoration of Orthodox churches, temple complexes and chapels.
The work is carried out by highly professional specialists, carried out strictly on time.
The partnership was founded in 1987 as a Creative Association under the Archfund of the Union of Architects of the USSR.

Under the name "Association of Restorers" the organization was registered in 1994, the founder - Honored Architect of Russia Andrey Anisimov.
In 2004, the "Workshops of Andrey Anisimov" were added to the partnership.

Since 2013, the association “Association of Restorers. Workshops of Andrey Anisimov” is a member of the Guild of Temple Builders.

Association leader

The head of the association, architect Andrey Anisimov, has been designing and building only churches for more than 30 years.

Composition of the Association

Architectural and design bureau with restoration division,
- mosaic workshop,
- art workshop,
- stone carving workshop,
- sculptural workshop of products made of artificial stone,
- building division.
Collaboration is underway with the workshop for the manufacture and gilding of domes.

Association activities

• restoration of churches and architectural monuments,
• design and construction of temples, temple complexes and chapels,
• development of standard projects and construction of cost-effective prefabricated temples,
• design and construction of pricht houses,
• manufacturing, installation of heads and crosses,
• development and execution of interiors of temples and chapels (paintings, mosaics, majolica, stone carving),
• design and manufacture of iconostases and other works.

Basic working principle

One of the features of the organization is the design and construction of temple complexes - the temple and the premises adjacent to it, necessary for the full life of the modern Orthodox community. Temple complexes are built taking into account the natural landscape and the features of the existing buildings.

The basic principle of the Andrey Anisimov Workshops is that the architect on the site is both the builder and the project manager, who has a complete idea of ​​​​how the temple should look like upon completion of construction and finishing work. This vision makes it possible not only to competently control the construction process, but also to bear full responsibility for the result. Thus, the architect is a key figure around which other craftsmen unite. Working together, the architect, builders, icon painters, mosaicists, stone carvers and other artists and specialists become participants in a single creative process, which also includes the customer and the trustee. Joint efforts and continuous working creative contact of masters with the priest and ktitors give the best results.

Cooperation

For many years, the architect Andrey Rodygin, the author of the project and the head of the construction of the first church erected in the modern history of Russia - the Vvedensky Church in the village. Sukharevo, Belgorod Region (consecrated in 1988).

"Workshops of Andrey Anisimov" at different times collaborated with such leading architects-restorers of Russia as: E. V. Stepanova, O. I. Zhurin, V. N. Sharapov, L. A. Shitova, S. V. Demidov, N. A. Bykovskaya, S. P. Orlovsky and many others. For a long time, the honored architect of Russia, Nikolai Dmitrievich Nedovich, was the scientific adviser.