soviet architects: Vladimir Shukhov (profile)

Disappearing Towers

Vladimir Shukhov was one of the most prolific and innovative architects 
in early 20th-century Russia. But today his legacy is endangered.

By Kevin O'Flynn
Published: March 30, 2007

The Shukhov television tower on Ulitsa Shabolovka is one of Moscow's 
most famous structures. A symbol of the Russian avant-garde, it was a 
major architectural feat when it was built 85 years ago according to a 
design by pioneering architect Vladimir Shukhov.

Today, it is cut off from visitors, surrounded by buildings that are 
certainly no architectural feats and spoiled by a concrete base.

Vladimir Shukhov, the architect's great-grandson, wants to change that. 
He launched an appeal this month to restore the tower -- which, he says, 
has not been properly repaired since it was built -- and to open it to 
the public. In a news conference, he talked about the plans of his 
Shukhov Tower Foundation, which aims to turn the tower and the 
surrounding area into a cultural center.

"The tower at Shabolovka has not been repaired, and other Shukhov 
buildings have been simply wiped from the face of the earth," he told 
reporters at the Shchusev Architecture Museum.

cont'd....
http://context.themoscowtimes.com/story/175553/