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Sergey Kuznetsov: Shukhov Tower must remain at the same location

28 March 2014

The chief architect of Moscow, Sergey Kuznetsov, shared his view on saving the famous tower by architect Vladimir Shukhov with the correspondent of “RBK Real Estate”

Media reports on the dismantling of the famous radio and TV broadcasting tower built by engineer Vladimir Shukhov in 1920-1922 provoked a strong reaction from the international professional community and from Russian NGOs. Support for the preservation of the tower was expressed by such stars of world architecture as the famous Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, the Japanese architects Tadao Ando and Kengo Kuma, and American architects Thom Mayne and Elizabeth Diller, who participated in the contest for the concept of Zaryadye Park in Moscow.

Earlier 135 million rubles from the federal budget were supposed to be allocated to repair the tower in 2011-2013. However, the Ministry of Communications, who is responsible for the fate of the tower, at the end of last year indicated that these funds were only enough to dismantle the structure. In general, the Ministry of Communications plans to carry out repair works in several stages: dismantling and reconstruction of the object in 1922 proportions at a new location: in Gorky Park, the All Russia Exhibition Center or near the Kaluzhskaya Square area.

Portal “RBK Real Estate” turned to the chief architect of Moscow, Sergey Kuznetsov, to find out his position on the fate of one of Moscow’s icons.

“I believe that until the whole reconstruction plan of this city icon is thought out, it is impossible to begin. The management that is responsible for the restoration of the tower must understand how examination and restoration will be financed, provide a budget and a work plan, explain what kind of result will be obtained, and find experts for restoration,” said Sergey Kuznetsov.

“Now questions arise because information has been published that there is only enough money for dismantling. Everybody understands what that means when there is money for dismantling only, the result might turn out that the Shukhov Tower is disassembled, and it will lie in storage for 100 years. It is necessary to develop the whole project: what, how and at whose expense. Maybe it turns out that it can be put in order at the same location, without taking it apart,” said the capital’s chief architect.

Kuznetsov emphasized that so far there has been no appeal to Moscow as a city of the federal government. “So for now I am offering my opinion as an architect and as an individual,” he clarified.

According to him, it is clear that the question is not thought out, and “any not properly thought through matter becomes a platform for discussion, causing a lot of suspicion and fear.” If everything is clear, questions do not arise. “For example, with architect Mukhina’s monument „Worker and Kolkhoz Woman„ which is at VDNKh, the process and budget were understood right away,“ explains Sergey Kuznetsov.

“The Shukhov Tower is an official regional monument which is used by the „Russian Television and Broadcasting Network“ (РТРС) and the Ministry of Communications of Russia. The idea to erect the radio tower (inherently an immovable property) in a different location in Moscow contradicts the notion of a „monument„ within the context of national legislation on the protection of cultural heritage. It also jeopardizes it having a value of high international importance,“ consider the presidents of two scientific committees of ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites). Experts point out that „dismantling and moving the tower will lead to an inevitable loss of authenticity and integrity of the monument.“

In turn, Muscovites and the capital’s public organizations opposed the dismantling of the tower and sent an open letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.

According to the results of public hearings, representatives of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation stressed that the dismantling of the tower is not necessary to carry out restoration work. Since Shukhov Tower is not a collapsible design, its disassembly will lead to the replacement of a genuine monument with a modern „replica.“ The experts recommended that the Ministry of Communications and Federal State Unitary Enterprise „Russian Television and Radio Broadcasting Network“ in accordance with existing legislation and preservation obligations conduct urgent works for the conservation and strengthening of the Shukhov Tower structure, after which perform a phased scientific restoration at the historic site in compliance with the principle of maximum preservation of authentic elements.


Images: Keytelgisser Ilya / Fotobank.ru


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