In any large city there is at least one building, which is its symbol. The most original and famous building of Arkhangelsk is “High-Rise”. This is the northernmost skyscraper in Russia, built in the city center. What is the story of the creation of the Arkhangelsk "High-rise", what is remarkable about this building?
The symbol of the city to be!
Each large settlement should have its own architectural dominant. Before the revolution, the Trinity Cathedral existed in Arkhangelsk. 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 the paradox of world architecture: in the West, the construction of 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 technological progress. And the building of design organizations was no exception.
From project to construction
In Arkhangelsk, high-rise construction is only gaining popularity. This is mainly due to the feature of soils in this area. In the Arkhangelsk region wetlands prevail, on which the construction of high-rise buildings is fraught with a number of difficulties. High-rise was the first project implemented in its category in this region.
The skyscraper in Moscow was designed by the best specialists of the country. Nikolai Nikitin, the chief designer of the Ostankino television tower, even personally participated in these works. The existing "High-rise" building in Arkhangelsk was built according to the original design. At the same time, during the preparatory work, the question was repeatedly raised about reducing the height of the building to 16 floors. As a result, it was decided to erect a building with a height of 24 floors, further strengthening its foundation.
Technical features of the northernmost skyscraper in Russia
The skyscraper in Arkhangelsk stands on an impressive foundation, at the base of which 624 piles driven 12 meters deep. Foundation work was started in the 70s of the last century. The building was supposed to be completed and put into operation for 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 was commissioned in 1983.
For some time, the question of its use and “settlement” remained open. The construction was commissioned by the Arkhangelsk Oblast Executive Committee. At the same time, “Vysotka” in Arkhangelsk was primarily thought of as a symbol of the city, and responsible persons did not seriously think about its functional purpose. But the building was not supposed to be empty. And in the end, 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. What is noteworthy, "Skyscraper" and today is often called the building of design organizations.
Arkhangelsk "High-rise" in figures and facts
The total height of the building according to the 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 highest 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.
The 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 guideline when specifying a route; city residents often make appointments for each other near this building.
Modern days in the history of the Arkhangelsk skyscraper
Today, the house of design organizations is occupied by offices of private companies. Organizations that provide services to the population (service centers, travel agencies and others) work here, cafes are open, and the studios of local radio stations occupy the upper floors. Entrance to the building is free for all visitors during business hours. Many tourists and locals like to pamper themselves with a cup of coffee or a full meal in this house, symbolic of the city. And this is an excellent occasion to combine a street photo shoot against the backdrop of the High-Rise with a meal inside the building.
But excursions in Arkhangelsk to the house of design organizations still do not lead and 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 what "High-rise" has acquired a more modern and solid look.
Is there a viewing platform on the roof of the "High-rise"?
According to the reviews of employees of the companies occupying the upper floors of the Arkhangelsk skyscraper, the views from the windows of their offices are very picturesque and staggering. Low-rise buildings prevail in the city, thanks to which there is something to admire from the tenth floor of the High-Rise building.
Unfortunately, the building does not have an equipped observation deck. It is impossible to legally get onto its roof today. The thing is that the skyscraper in Arkhangelsk was built primarily for the sake of its external architectural silhouette. Serious government organizations should have taken the symbol of the city. After major repairs, the house turned into a completely modern business center. But for daily visits to the upper floors by a large number of guests there are no conditions and it is not possible to create them. At least today.
Myths and facts about the tallest building in Arkhangelsk
According to the initial development plan, only five towers were to be built in the center of Arkhangelsk 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 roll noticeably 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.
"High-rise" is not the only unofficial name for a house of design organizations. Residents of the city often call their skyscraper also “Pencil” or “Candle”. In terms of architectural style, this building is often compared with American business centers, sometimes the inhabitants even call the symbol their reduced copy.
"High-rise" for a long time retained the title of the tallest house in the city, since only technical facilities surpassed it in height. Soon, the first residential skyscraper will be built and populated in Arkhangelsk. According to the project, its height will be 25 floors. This means that a building with a height of 24 floors will lose its title, but will retain the love of residents and visitors of the city.
