Bureau

The film tells the story of the work and creative path of St. Petersburg architectural bureau "Khvoya," founded by five young architects who graduated from the Academy of Arts. The office is a large room in an old house, with windows facing a narrow alley typical of St. Petersburg, as well as tables, computers, coffee machine - and unfulfilled hopes so far. All are young, capable of working round-the-clock, united by a common idea. One of our heroes, Ilya Spiridonov, prepares together with his comrades for a big competition that is very important for Khvoya. Generally, life and creativity of Russian architect have something in common with sports. Just as athletes live from championship to Olympic Games, confirming their merits with medals and cups, so do architects measure their lives through competitions. But this particular contest is special. Competitors include the strongest architectural bureaus in the country. Victory promises glory, construction of the object submitted to the competition (which itself is a message to eternity, to the history of the city, country, Russian culture), and importantly for our heroes, decent payment that will allow them to take some time off the exhausting race and enjoy pure art. Ilya has a family: two small children living with his ex-wife after divorce, somewhere far away. His colleagues also have families. Almost all except one - he became a monk, went to monastery.