The iron fountain in Gyumri, an abandoned architectural monument of Soviet modernism
The iron fountain on the outskirts of Gyumri is jokingly called "UFO". In fact, this is a fountain that was built in 1982 by architect Artur Tarkhanyan and operated for only six years.
Artur Tarkhanyan is known primarily for such works as Tsitsernakaberd Memorial, Zvartnots Airport, Yerevan Youth Palace, etc. Tarkhanyan's creative method is interesting with an amazing balance of architectural concepts.
The Gyumri fountain is a vivid example of how functional the architect's projects are. The iron structure, even without water supply, speaks very expressively about the function of the object. The metal sheets unfold like the wings of a butterfly, visually reproducing the elegant natural form while greatly reinforcing it with the materials used. The fact that it is practically the only architectural building preserved in the region after the devastating 1988 Spitak earthquake also testifies to the strength of the Friendship Fountain. In fact, the fountain stopped working after that, working only for six years.
Today, the iron fountain of Gyumri is not an architectural monument protected by the state. Anahit Tarkhanyan, the architect's daughter, started to restore the art piece, which due to its history has become an unofficial symbol of endurance for the people of Armenia. Even in this form, with rusted metals, this unique piece of art-art of the Soviet period does not cease to interest the guests visiting the city.
Name of the building: Friendship Fountain (Iron Fountain in Gyumri)
Architect: Artur Tarkhanyan
Construction time: 1982
Location: Gyumri, Armenia