Build and destroy, destroy and build, and again destroy, or ... as the comedians from YMU used to say, “What are we doing? Correct, we are piddling”. No, it’s not a joke … 16 years later, it turned out that there was no need of demolishing the Youth Palace. In other words, people were right, when they opposed the demolition of this architectural value. Recently, the design project of reconstruction of the Youth Palace (was nicknamed the “Corn Building”) was posted on the Facebook page of development and investment programs. The reconstruction was the pre-election promise of Yerevan mayor Hayk Marutyan. The three-dimensional model of the reconstruction was recently presented by the architectural studio «A3 Architects». According to the presented model, the new design is a complete copy of the previous building. Let us recall, that the Youth Palace, the symbol of Yerevan city, was sold in 2004, and in two years it had been demolished in order to build a hotel in its place. But, despite the fact that many tenders were announced, the project has not been implemented, and the territory of the building now serves as a parking lot. Building design co-author Hrach Poghosyan in one of his interviews said: “The person who bought the Youth Palace claimed that it had small rooms, which is unacceptable for the first-class hotel, which he was going to build. … I offered him several options, in particular, to have luxury rooms on ground floors of the building, and leave the small rooms in other parts”. Unfortunately, this interesting proposal was ignored. Today, when they plan to erect the Youth Palace in the city center, it would be more reasonable to involve Hrach Poghosyan in design and construction works. It should be noted that this building is not the only one with a similar fate, copies of which are now being built as part of “Old Yerevan” project. However, how justified is this policy? From one hand, the city loses its historical face, from the other, they cause psychological trauma to honored architects. The only positive side is that the new constructed buildings will comply with updated seismic safety standards. Designed by architects Artur Tarkhanyan, Spartak Khachikyan and Hrachya Poghosyan the Youth Palace construction was launched 1967. The official opening took place in 1979. The interior of the building was decorated with interesting works of art, a gilded sculpture of Adam and Eve by Mkrtich Mazmanyan was placed in the bar, and the sculpture Spring by Tom Gevorgyan was placed in the lobby. The palace was decorated with frescoes by Armine Kalents, tapestries by Nelly Asatryan, stained glass windows of Martin Zakaryan and a wooden map of Armenia by Zorik Stepanyan.

Although Armenia occupies relatively small territory, there are about 26000 cultural and historical monuments located there. That is, about 1 square kilometer accounts for one historical monument, and this is a great opportunity for development of tourism in the region. The problem is that we do not take full advantage of this opportunity, since almost 80 percent of our historical heritage is in distress, in a dilapidated condition. And if something is being restored, then it is mainly the churches and mainly with private funds, but not the fortresses, caravanserais and other worldly buildings and structures. However, there are happy exceptions, as, for example, in the case of the cave fortress complex Zarni-Parni. The cave fortress of the X century Zarni-Parni is helpless before the destructive power of the time. It would have remained just a name in the list of cultural and historical monuments, but then benefactor Ruben Mesropyan decided to restore it. A group of architects headed by Stepan Nalbandyan prepared the design of the fortress recovery. To date, the first lower fortress-cave of Zarni with an area of 605 square meters has been completely restored. In the cave you can see a museum with ancient household items of the Lori region from the personal collection of R. Mesropyan and ponds where water accumulates from the cliff. A recently built staircase leads to the upper cave Parni. This is a successful experience, which should become a good example of restoration and use of cultural and historical monuments. Stepan Nalbandyan is the vice-president of the Armenian Association of Architects in charge of historical monuments, and the Director of the Armenian branch of the international charity organization "Country and Culture". Within the framework of these two organizations, many restoration works are carried out annually, and mainly churches are being restored. This year the restoration works are pending for the following monuments: the 5th century one nave basilica church Saint Hripsime in Verishen village, Syunik province, Surb Astvacacin church (XVII century) in Lernadzor, Saint Hripsime in Srashen (XVII century) and a V century church in Mirak, Aragatsotn province. The monastery complex of Surb Hovhannes in Meghri has already been consecrated and hosts the believers. This year the restoration and improvement works have finally started in monastery complex Sanahin. It is already 8 years the restoration of the monastery-desert complex Tandzaparakh continues with the help of philanthropists and volunteers of the Armenian branch of the international charity organization “Country and Culture”. The desert is located in 5,5km from Bekh district of Kapan city. Stepan Nalbandyan noted that unfortunately there is very little restoration work implemented within the framework of state projects, and what is being done is often of poor quality and unsuitable for working on such a thin and fragile material. Meanwhile, these monuments are our visit cards in the world of tourism, and their competent restoration is one of the keys to the development of this industry.

Reconstruction project for Cond district is again in the process of discussion. For many times this project has been taken out from the archive, pointing at the importance of maintaining tints and historical environment of old Yerevan in Cond. Cond is one of the oldest districts of Yerevan preserved since the 17th century. And the older is the district, the more are the problems, accumulating for decades. Yet there is no comprehensive solution for construction of Cond district on the general plan of Yerevan city. The famous Russian-born Armenian architect Alexander Tamanyan, who prepared the first general plan of Yerevan, did not plan to rebuild Kond at all; he imagined a green zone there, but the hill was left out of the main construction of those years because of its location. In 1984-85 the government seriously considered the construction problem of the district, which is located in the center and at the same time is cut off from the city downtown. Then a tender of architectural design projects for Cond reconstruction had been announced. The winner of the tender was Arshavir Aghekyan’s design project, according to which a residential zone along Saryan, Leo and Paronyan streets was planned with backyard terraces and green roofs. In the middle of Cond hill about 5 ha area was allocated for a public center where the renovated houses would have studios, workshops, craftsmanship workshops, display and sales halls. In northern part of Dvin hotel it was planned to have a tourist center. But the project was not realized because of the Spitak earthquake and following events. Arshavir Aghekyan finds the reconstruction of this district very important, mentioning, “The project aims to create a collective image of folk architecture, based on the medieval spirit of Cond’s spontaneous construction, scale and space planning. This problem is even more urgent in Yerevan, a city with an impressive historical past, but having no real evidence”. Cond has a great potential in the development of tourism by its place and history, providing wide range of interesting ideas. Many famous European cities rebuilt their old historic districts, making them very attractive for tourism development. Cond too must be linked to the city center, making it the active part of capital city's vibrant daily life and taking into account peculiarities of the district and its environment by harmonious reconstruction of the old and the new and the complex solution of residents’ problems. Cond reconstruction negotiations are underway now, and only after that the design phase will start. What will be decided and how it will be implemented is still unknown. Anyway, the problem is urgent, and thousands of Cond inhabitants are waiting for improvement of their living conditions at least during the governance of current authorities. The next article about Cond, we hope, will tell about the implementation phase of the project.

The world knows Armenia mostly for its church architecture, which has a great influence on the construction art of other countries, and vice versa. In July 2019 the book “The Architecture of Cathedrals of Armenians in the Territory of Ukraine” was published in Ukraine, where the author tells about the buildings of Armenia and Ukraine, provides information in sketches, maps, tables and picture. Through the prism of architectural features, the book covers the history of Armenia and the Armenian Apostolic Church. “I was brought up in an atmosphere of respect for the history and culture of different nations, in particular for Armenia and Armenians”, tells the author of the book Maria Arsenyan. “I think that churches since ancient times were the focus of spiritual and cultural life of people. Due to historically unfavorable events (wars, etc.) Armenians had to migrate to other countries. And of course, the Armenian church played an important role in preserving the authenticity of the resettled Armenians.” For her PhD scientific subject Maria Arsenyan chose a complex and voluminous theme “The architecture of the churches of Armenian communities in Ukraine of XI - XIX centuries”. “Armenian architects had their influence not only on Ukrainian architecture, but also the architecture of other nations living on this territory. Based on the materials that I analyzed, the Armenians played an important role in the formation of the stone architecture in this region. In addition, it is important to note that many Armenian churches were originally wooden, and over time, were changed to stone. So it can be assumed that the Armenians also had a certain influence on the wooden temple architecture. From the other hand, the architecture of Armenian colonies was of course influenced by the traditions, as well as the architectural styles of nations living nearby. To a greater extent, Armenian Uniate Churches (Armenian Catholic Church) were subject to the influence and use of non-characteristic elements in the Armenian classical temple architecture. For example, in these churches there were such interior elements like organ and cathedra, which was dictated by the Catholic canons.”

The Tumo Center for Creative Technologies aims to make available creative technology trainings for as many young people in Armenia as possible, so that anyone who is fond of learning can attend the nearest Tumo center. Very soon some new centers will open in Koghb, Masis and Gyumri. Head of Tumo Communication Division Lilit Tovmasyan reveals the main requirements that Tumo staff presents to the architects cooperating with the company, «It is very important for us, that the area reflects all 4 components of the Tumo educational model: transparency, selectiveness, flexibility, availability. The building should have very large corridors and halls, high ceilings. The classrooms in Tumo centers are mostly glazed, so that the young people while learning could see what their friends are doing in another classroom. And if they are still self-studying, they will see that other young people taking part in the training, and they will become motivated. » The famous Lebanese architect Bernard Khoury is the one who best understands Tumo's requirements and mission. He is well-known for his modernistic projects and the rich experience in reconstruction of historic buildings. He designed the interior of the very first building of Tumo Yerevan in 2011. And now the centers in Koghb, Masis and Gyumri are being built. As Bernard Khoury said in one of his interviews, «We do not follow the recognizable aesthetic. Tumo is first of all an idea, a spirit that should be kept wherever we move, regardless of building or location. » Tumo center in village Koghb in Tavush province is for 600-1000 people. The young people will be able to attend the center from Koghb, Noyemberyan, Berdavan and other nearby settlements. The center will have hi-tech classrooms, training stations, recording studio, cinema and a large stadium. The Tumo center in Masis is designed for 1000 people. It will be located near the North-South highway for convenience of teenagers arriving from Armavir province. The third building that is being built (or better to say, reconstructed) by Bernard Khoury’s design, is the building of the first theater in Gyumri. This exceptional building-monument included in «Kumayri» historical and cultural reserve is in emergency state and needs serious reconstruction. Tumo in Gyumri now functions in Technopark, but as soon as the building is ready, it will move to new location. The construction of engineering and applied sciences complex in collaboration with European Union and Tumo will start in spring 2020 and is planned to complete the next 2-3 years. 15.000 m2 area adjacent to Tumo was allocated for the new building in Yerevan, and there it is planned to build a 25,000 square meter complex (total). An international tender has been announced for the architectural design of the future complex. The jury is led by Hashim Sarkis, the Dean of the Architecture and Design Department at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Coordinator of the Venice Biennale in 2020. Three giants of architecture have already been selected: RCR Arquitectes, BIG and MVRDV. One of them will be selected in September and will design the EU Tumo complex.