In any major city there is at least one building that is its symbol. The most original and famous building in Arkhangelsk is Vysotka. This is the northernmost skyscraper in Russia, built in the city center. What is the history of the creation of the Arkhangelsk "High-rise", what is remarkable about this building?
Be the symbol of the city
Each large settlement should have its own architectural dominant. In Arkhangelsk, before the revolution, there was a Trinity Cathedral. After its demolition, the city became not so interesting. Therefore, it was decided to build a high-rise building. "High-rise" - the future symbol of Arkhangelsk, was designed without a specific functional purpose. The main task of the engineers and architects working on this project was to create an expressive building that could become a symbol of the city. And this is a paradox of world architecture: in the West, the construction of multi-storey high-rise buildings is due to the high cost of land. At the same time, the first skyscrapers in the USSR were built to demonstrate the achievements of scientific and technicalprogress. And the building of design organizations was no exception either.
From design to construction
In Arkhangelsk, high-rise construction is only gaining popularity. This is due to a greater extent with the peculiarity of the soils in this area. In the Arkhangelsk region, swampy soils prevail, on which the construction of high-rise buildings is associated with a number of difficulties. Vysotka became the first completed project in its category in this region.
The best specialists of the country designed the skyscraper in Moscow. Even the doctor of technical sciences Nikolai Nikitin, the chief designer of the Ostankino television tower, took part in these works. The Vysotka that exists today in Arkhangelsk was built according to the original design. At the same time, during the preparatory work, the question of reducing the height of the building to 16 floors was repeatedly raised. As a result, it was decided to build a building with a height of 24 floors, further strengthening its foundation.
Technical features of Russia's northernmost skyscraper
The skyscraper in Arkhangelsk stands on an impressive foundation, at the base of which there are 624 piles driven into a depth of 12 meters. Foundation work began in the 1970s. The building was to be completed and put into operation by the 400th anniversary of the city, which was celebrated in 1984. All construction work was carried out in compliance with the established deadlines. The building was built on the eve of the Olympics-80, and put intocommissioned in 1983.
For some time the question of its use and "settlement" remained open. The construction was carried out by order of the Arkhangelsk Regional Executive Committee. At the same time, Vysotka in Arkhangelsk was conceived primarily as a symbol of the city; the responsible persons did not seriously think about its functional purpose. But the building was not supposed to be empty. And as a result, the skyscraper was given to the establishment of design organizations. In the 90s, the symbol of the city was occupied by the offices of various companies. Remarkably, "High-rise" and today is often called the building of design organizations.
Arkhangelsk "High-rise" in facts and figures
The total height of the building in terms of roof level is 82 meters. The skyscraper is crowned with a needle antenna with decorative brass elements. Together with the spire, the height of the building is about 130 meters. It is by the architectural forms of this building that the city of Arkhangelsk is recognized. Time does not stand still and the tallest object in the city "Vysotka" ceased to be after the construction of the television tower. However, the house of design organizations still retains its status as a symbol of the city.
Arkhangelsk skyscraper is visible from anywhere in the city, and its silhouette is visible on the horizon about 10 km before entering the city. "High-rise" is invariably used as a landmark when specifying the route, city residents often make appointments with each other near this building.
Modern days in the history of the Arkhangelsk skyscraper
Today the house of design organizations is occupied byoffices of private companies. Organizations providing services to the population (service centers, travel agencies, etc.) work here, cafes are open, and the upper floors are occupied by studios of local radio stations. Entrance to the building is free for all visitors during business hours. Many tourists and locals like to treat themselves to a cup of coffee or a full meal in this iconic house for the city. And this is a great opportunity to combine a street photo session against the backdrop of the Vysotki with a meal inside the building.
But excursions in Arkhangelsk to the house of design organizations are still not taken, and they are unlikely to do so. At the same time, the northernmost skyscraper is officially considered one of the symbols of the city. In 2010, the illumination of the upper floors of the building was installed. Thanks to this, Vysotka has acquired a more modern and solid look.
Is there an observation deck on the roof of Vysotki?
According to the opinions of employees of companies occupying the upper floors of the Arkhangelsk skyscraper, the views from the windows of their offices are very picturesque and stagger the imagination. Low-rise buildings prevail in the city, thanks to which there is something to admire from the tenth floor of Vysotki.
Unfortunately, the building does not have an equipped observation deck. It is impossible to legally get on its roof today. The thing is that the skyscraper in Arkhangelsk was built primarily for the sake of its external architectural silhouette. The symbol of the city was to be occupied by serious state organizations. After a major overhaul, the house has turned into a completely modern business center. But forthere are no conditions for daily visits to the upper floors by a large number of guests and it is not possible to create them. At least today.
Myths and facts about the tallest building in Arkhangelsk
According to the original development plan in the center of Arkhangelsk, only five towers were to be built on the basis of a project embodied in the form of a skyscraper that exists today. This plan was not implemented due to a number of difficulties that arose during the construction of the first building. At one point, the structure even began to noticeably lean to the side. It is for this reason that the symbol of Arkhangelsk was built in a single copy and remains unique to this day.
"Vysotka" is not the only unofficial name of the house of design organizations. Residents of the city often call their skyscraper "Pencil" or "Candle". In terms of architectural style, this building is often compared with American business centers, sometimes the inhabitants even call the symbol a small copy of them.
Vysotka for a long time retained the title of the tallest building in the city, as only technical structures surpassed it in height. The first residential skyscraper will soon be built and occupied in Arkhangelsk. According to the project, its height will be 25 floors. And this means that the 24-story building will lose its title, but will retain the love of residents and guests of the city.
Where is the famous "High-rise"? How to get there?
Many tourists jokingly say that time stands still in Arkhangelsk. AndIndeed, in this city, many houses built during the Soviet era have been preserved. Vysotka is the most outstanding building of its period. Finding it is not difficult at all, since the outlines of a tower with a spire are visible in modern Arkhangelsk from almost anywhere.
The building is located in the heart of the city near the city administration. The exact address of the skyscraper: Lenin Square, building 4. The nearest public transport stop is called "Lenin Square".
"High-rise" organically fits into the urban landscape. You can take good pictures from almost anywhere where you can see the skyscraper. Winter photos look especially interesting. A festive tree is traditionally set up on Lenin Square (this is the main square of the city), many residents of the city try to get into the frame against the background of these two large-scale objects.
If you want to visit all the most interesting places in Arkhangelsk, be sure to add "High-Rise" to your list. This symbol of the city is depicted on souvenir magnets, postcards and other tourist products with views of the city. Every tourist inspired by the northernmost skyscraper can take home an interesting souvenir with its image.
