Armenian Modernism. Main Monuments of Yerevan

Let's get to grips with what Soviet modernism is and see its most striking works in Yerevan.

Highlights:

• Examples of innovative form in the works of Arthur Tarkhanyan: "Russia" cinema, "Yeghern" memorial and "Amalir" sports and concert complex

• Careful work with tradition and a harbinger of postmodernism in the works of Jim Torosyan: "Cascade" architectural-monumental complex and the memorial to the 50th anniversary of the Soviet Armenia

• Motives of national architecture in the building of the National Polytechnic University

• How to learn to understand modernism, brutalism and postmodernism and decipher their meanings

• Where did modernist architecture come from and how did it develop in Armenia?

• Key authors of Armenian modernism
  

Included:

• Architectural Guide

Although Armenian architecture is not one thousand years old, one of its brightest periods is modernism, i.e. the architecture of 196-1980s. In that period Armenia had its own strong architectural school and a developed network of design institutes which allowed to carry out large-scale projects and to create a breeding ground for bold creative ideas.

Many works by Armenian architects became classics, not only in the Soviet, but also in the world architecture, such as the Zvartnots airport and the architectural-monumental complex Cascade. During this tour we will not only see the most striking works of Armenian modernism but will also talk about different artistic trends and learn how to distinguish them and understand their meaning.

Armenian modernism is a combination of concrete and stone, and sometimes a blend of functional minimalism and elements of local medieval architecture. Unfortunately, many have realized the value of these architectural monuments only recently, so most of the iconic buildings of the modernist era today are not used for their intended purpose or have been demolished altogether.