The First Job of Arthur Tarkhanyan: The Beginning of His Architectural Career
After graduating from the Yerevan Polytechnic Institute in 1957, Arthur Tarkhanyan began his professional career at the Republican Design Institute, “Armgosproekt.” This was one of Armenia’s main design institutes, focused on urban development and the design of major public and residential buildings. It was here that his journey began as an architect capable of combining modernist ideas with the functional demands of the time.
The Academy of Sciences Residential Building Project
Tarkhanyan’s first significant project was the design of a residential building for the Academy of Sciences of the Armenian SSR. He developed this project in co-authorship with Spartak Khachikyan. Their work received recognition and was awarded second prize at the All-Union Review of Young Architects in 1957. Even then, it was evident that Tarkhanyan possessed a talent for unconventional solutions and the ability to harmoniously integrate buildings into the urban environment.
Standard Designs and First Urban Planning Experience
Shortly after this successful start, Tarkhanyan began working on the creation of standard designs for public buildings. His focus included cinemas, schools, and youth camps. These projects were developed with consideration for local climatic and cultural conditions, allowing for the creation of comfortable and aesthetically pleasing spaces.
However, the largest task for him during this period was the design of the new city of Abovyan. This urban planning project became one of the first examples of Soviet Modernism in Armenia. The city was conceived as a satellite of Yerevan, where the layout was based on the principles of functional zoning and the rational distribution of residential and public spaces. Tarkhanyan, along with his colleagues, paid special attention to the convenience for residents, the accessibility of infrastructure, and harmonious interaction with the surrounding nature.
The Formation of the Architectural Trio
It was the work on the Master Plan for Abovyan that marked the beginning of a creative union that would significantly influence Armenian architecture. During the design process, Tarkhanyan joined forces with Spartak Khachikyan and Hrachya Poghosyan. This trio of architects worked together for over 25 years, creating landmark projects that shaped the appearance of Armenian cities.
Their collaborative works were distinguished by bold architectural solutions, combining national traditions with the latest achievements in world architecture. This period marked Tarkhanyan’s transition from individual projects to major urban planning concepts, which would become a vital part of his professional path.
Laying the Foundation for a Future Career
Thus, Arthur Tarkhanyan’s first years of work were an important stage in his development as an architect. He didn’t just carry out assignments; he sought to implement cutting-edge ideas, find new approaches, and combine aesthetics with functionality. The design of Abovyan became the starting point after which his name became firmly established in the history of Soviet architecture.