renowned architects sign petition to save moscow’s shukhov radio tower
photo © richard pare, shabolovka radio tower, 1998

 

 

 

after the russian state committee for television and radio broadcasting agreed to the dismantling of vladimir shukhov’s shabolovka radio tower, a host of respected architects, professors and directors have written an open letter to russian president vladimir putin encouraging the preservation of the historic structure.

 

tadao ando, rem koolhaas, kengo kuma and odile decq are among the signatories writing to save the edifice, completed by shukhov in 1922 during the russian civil war. considered one of the twentieth century’s most impressive engineering feats, the tower was built in order to broadcast wireless programs of the early soviet era and was developed from the research into hyperboloids undertaken in the late 19th century.

 

the letter asserts that the dismantling of the structure would mean the loss of one of moscow’s most significant landmarks that has become a beacon and symbol of progressive and innovative engineering and design. the letter also calls on president putin to nominate the radio tower for UNESCO world heritage status.

 

to read the open letter in full, and for a complete list of signatories, see here.