Description
The majestic building of the Imperial Academy of Arts became the major example of the new style. It was built in 1765-1772 upon the project of A. Kokorinov (1726-1772) and french architect J.B. Vallin de la Mothe (1729-1801). A regular-shaped plan, clear and exact structure of symmetrical facades, measured rhythm of order elements, reservation of the decoration gradually realised the principles of the early classicism. Very interesting is the plan of the building, where the round inner block, contouring the unique vast round court, is being inscribed in the outer square. Academy is the first building in Europe constructed by design for an educational institution of such a kind.