Exploring Yerevan's Institute of Architecture

I wouldn't say I have always been a fan of architecture, nor have I ever really given it that much thought; that is until I came to this part of the world and witnessed the sheer differences in architectural design throughout the many years. Whether it stems from the more traditional side of Armenian culture, the Soviet influence with its modernist concepts that are just utterly astonishing, or the remnants of yet another empire: the Romans. With large columns and temples that remain standing deep within the nation's mountains. To see such a wide range of architectural designs within such a small country is certainly interesting. It speaks of the cultural shifts throughout the years, but also the ideologies that came and went. And in some ways, each of these previous aspects of Armenia's history are still influencing the way it shapes its present and future, as the nation develops utilising the former ideas it once thrived with.

Within one of these massive Soviet era structures sits these two museums on either side of the building. They're focused around the same thing: the history and architecture of the nation. Though one room focuses on the women that helped shape much of the city's creations, showing the past influences and gave a face to the many sketches and designs. During the Soviet Union, women had just as much significance in the workplace as the men. They worked in factories. They held positions within the military. They even contributed to the designing of the nation as it grew. And building within the USSR was something highly important: an economic and industrial boom that came from the victory of the Second World War, and the desperation to house and modernise the various republics within. While many major cities these days are building huge apartment buildings for the sake of building, city and residential planning was of major importance for the communists. After all, what good is a worker if they are not satisfied with their living conditions? Thus, parks were designed and formed. Recreational areas for sports and relaxation around residential spaces. And also many areas of entertainment that helped fuel the propaganda machine. 

This initial room held the creations of many old and new within the architectural space. Displaying some modern designs and art that didn't quite resonate with me, alongside some more historical pieces that would go on to show the more technical side of creating a building of any sort. It was fascinating to see sketchbooks from a century ago on display, seeing how little ideas would form from just a bit of smeared pencil on paper and turn into something far greater with more detail and attention as the idea progressed. In some displays were passports and other documents relating to the women that were featured in the exhibition. I've seen a fair number of similar documents in museums before, but I think this was the first time I had seen one that dated as far back as 1927! Books were also on display, some were open, others were not. I wasn't quite sure what the context was regarding the books specifically; perhaps owned by some of the women? They were also rather old, speaking of architecture decades prior. A little rough around the edges. One of which I would've loved to have been able to look through, but unfortunately remained closed.

Many of the displays showed some of the more modern approaches to Yerevan's architecture. The city is one of the oldest in the world, so it held this connection between excavation and preservation of the old Roman Empire, as well as the more recent developments. Huge maps showcasing the original Yerevan plan, the little districts that were in place. It's surprising to see it really hasn't changed much, it still has the same layout, albeit just more buildings. The most central part almost felt unchanged. The newer buildings featured some schematics, huge Soviet era posters in Russian and Armenian that detailed the designing of areas that still remained or perhaps had been repurposed. Though that was mostly the full extent of that museum's room. It was the other hall that stood out to me a little bit more, featuring a deeper look into the designing of the city and the buildings, from churches to the magnificent Cascade. For some reason I was told I couldn't take photographs with the camera in here, but I was allowed to use my phone camera. I should highlight that both of these are also free to enter and accept donations.

I really loved the little models of buildings they had here, one of which was the Zvartnots Airport that I recently wrote about. There were also interesting early drawings of the Cascade showing minor design elements around the fountains, as well as considering the ways in which light would interact with the structure. The whole creativity of the room was really inspiring to see, from an art perspective it really showed the next level that the Soviets were at with their attempts at modernism, really thinking outside of the box and pretty much in the realm of The Jetsons. This hall wasn't specific to women, it was surrounding a wide range of creations throughout the years, even going into some of the personal projects of architecture schools in the area. A small set of models to detail some of them. I quite liked that, it didn't feel like it entire museum was trying to say one thing in particular, but just went across the changing scope of the world of design and how the past influences.

I really enjoyed the short amount of time spent here. I had no idea this place existed before, sitting within one of those very huge structures of the USSR period. Now used as a government building for the most part. It was nice to see how a creative designer thinks, the little sketches they make to throw out ideas and form something larger from that point. It showed how (most) buildings are actually a work of art for its creator, an art piece that starts off with a little thumbnail and becomes more technical. Also displaying how those creatives shape the spaces we navigate through every day, becoming what we call home.

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