Krasnoyarsk residents were shown how architect Areg Demirkhanov saw the cathedral on Strelka

The famous Krasnoyarsk architect Areg Demirkhanov, who created the appearance of the modern Strelka (Museum complex “Peace Square”, Philharmonic Hall), worked on the design of the cathedral on the embankment.

An album with sketches from 2012-2015 was presented by the chief architect of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, Konstantin Shumov. He said that the cathedral on Strelka was one of the master’s last works.

“Areg Sarkisovich was the first of the architects, authors of the Strelka ensemble, to answer all doubts. He wrote to the governor that “the construction of the cathedral on Strelka was supported by the sensible part of the architectural community,” Shumov quoted the archival letter.

The image of the cathedral changed from drawing to drawing – in some versions it was as close as possible to the historical original, and in others it was an original structure.

Areg Demirkhanov proposed placing it in the area of ​​Karl Marx Street on a specially built platform. Downstairs there would be commercial enterprises, part of whose profits were planned to be transferred to the construction of the cathedral. Thus, the temple could be on the same level as the Peace Square museum.

At the same time, modern designers still argued with Demirkhanov’s vision. His idea of ​​closing the Marx Street alignment with the cathedral was rejected in order to preserve the historical tradition of Krasnoyarsk urban planning of the 18th century: leaving the streets open so that “nature entered the city.”

Let us remind you that disputes about the construction site of the main temple of Krasnoyarsk have been going on since 2012. Many social activists and architects opposed the development of Strelka, proposing alternative sites. The project, which has now received state expertise, is a recreation of the historical Konstantin Ton Cathedral, but taking into account modern standards and in a new location.

Let us add that Areg Demirkhanov arrived in Krasnoyarsk in 1965. Here he began to run an architectural workshop, and later became the chief architect of the Krasnoyarskgrazhdanproekt Institute. With the direct participation of Demirkhanov, the formation of the public, business and cultural center of the city of Krasnoyarsk took place. Many buildings designed by Areg Sarkisovich have become the hallmark of the city. The architect died in 2020 after a long illness.

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