SKYSCRAPER

The Lakhta Center skyscraper is the tallest building in Europe, the northernmost in the world, and the only one in St. Petersburg. It was built by the large gas company Gazprom. In the initial stages, the construction of the tower was planned for the historical part of the city, which sparked controversy among the interests of business, authorities, and civil society.

Many expressed concerns that the construction of the high-rise building would negatively impact the historical panorama of St. Petersburg, disrupting the architectural identity of the city. Despite these arguments, supporters of the project insisted on the necessity of development and the transformation of the modern appearance of the city.

As a compromise, it was decided to move the construction to the outskirts of the city, on the shores of the Gulf of Finland, away from the center. The 462-meter tall skyscraper is visible from any point in the city, emphasizing its dominant position in the architectural landscape of St. Petersburg. Public opinions about the building remain mixed: many perceive it as a foreign object that disrupts the harmony of the urban environment and refer to the tower as “a corn cob” or a phallic symbol.

In this project, I photograph the Lakhta Center from various districts of the city, as well as from the suburban landscape and nearby settlements. In this way, I draw attention to how the skyscraper fits into the surrounding environment and demonstrate the influence of large corporations on collective consciousness.