BAKU THROUGH THE EYES OF A MASTER

Renowned Turkish architect Murat Tabanlioglu visited Baku recently at the invitation of the founder of the ''FATEH'' design-construction company. During his visit, he met Azerbaijani People's Artist Omar Eldarov, future architects - students of the Azerbaijani State Art Academy - and he gave a lengthy presentation on his designs.

Azerbaijani architect and Art Academy lecturer Adil Talibov believes such meetings play a huge educational role, giving invaluable support to our youth in helping to familiarise them with the culture of neighbouring countries - this time, in town planning. Despite Murat Tabanlioglu's busy schedule, we managed to meet and talk to him.

- Mr. Tabanlioglu, this is not your first visit to Azerbaijan. I would like to hear the views of a world-renowned architect on urban development trends in our republic, particularly in Baku.

- As early as five years ago, on one of my visits to Baku, there was talk of major architectural projects to be implemented in the capital of Azerbaijan. However, at that time, there was actually no talk about their actual implementation. But today I am already witness to the realisation of those ideas. Vivid evidence is in the Heydar Aliyev Culture Centre, which I visited and was surprised by both the beauty and scale of this unique construction.

The invitation of well-known international architects to Baku, in particular, the talented British architect Zaha Hadid, is a major event, not only for the people of Azerbaijan, but also for visitors to your capital with its rich and ancient history. This fact is striking evidence of the concern of Azerbaijan's president and of the state for cultural values and attention to the city's architecture. I would underline that even in the colourful and beautiful megalopolis of Istanbul, there is not a single building of this immense scale.

In this context, I should note the building of large commercial centres like Park Bulvar, which is also important to the development of the city. I think that the cladding of buildings in Baku is a most successful solution, giving the capital a special colouring. At the same time, I would divide the construction projects now underway in Azerbaijan into two categories. In my view, unfortunately, they are not all good from the architectural point of view. There are very many standard projects here that can be seen worldwide. That is to say, similar architectural ensembles are also built in Turkey, in Britain, in Holland and elsewhere.

I think that professional architects involved in large-scale projects should break away from the templates for urban development. It is necessary to feel the atmosphere of the city. An architect should live in it for some time, meet ordinary citizens and walk the streets. Of course new buildings should not copy old buildings. Certainly, they should be contemporary. As for 'glass giants' - this is already quite boring architecture. World practice assumes the conduct of tenders, as a result of which the most interesting architectural ideas are selected. The projects are studied in detail, but not only for their aesthetics.

- Following the destructive aftershocks in Japan, there is talk of the need for a ban on building skyscrapers in seismic zones. I'd like to hear your views on this.

- The question of seismic stability is indeed topical; it is being given special attention in both Turkey and Azerbaijan. This is considered in the course of all new construction. The problem here mainly concerns housing built 40 years ago and earlier. There are no guarantees that good quality materials were used when they were built. These structures exist and will remain potential sources of danger.

At the same time, assertions that the building of skyscrapers in Baku is dangerous because of the risk of earthquakes are absolutely wrong. For example, in Istanbul, we designed and built a 60-storey building, 230 metres high, and have guaranteed the maximum possible seismic resistance. It is a matter of calculation, and it is not obligatory to use steel in the construction, ferro-concrete constructions can also be suitable. Thus, steel was not used in the world's tallest building in Dubai. They preferred concrete with special properties instead. We should note that Turkish architects have had great success in this area. They are building houses now in dozens of countries, including Azerbaijan.

- Baku has seen especially vigorous development in recent years, accompanied by chaotic construction. In your view, what should be the main focus in urban development?

- Baku is a very beautiful city from the point of view of town planning, which in many respects prevents the serious transport problems we encounter in most Western countries. At the same time, the issue of where exactly to build skyscrapers is relevant.

As an example, I'd like to cite Istanbul again, where the city leadership has grouped skyscrapers in specific areas, particularly in Maslak. This made it possible to preserve the historical architectural colour of the centre of the megalopolis. Separately, it is worth considering the issue of infrastructure. In a number of the cities worldwide, there is a developed system of underground tunnels, which helps to provide buildings with all essential facilities without disrupting the appearance of a city. That is to say, all pipes and cables pass through tunnels. This issue is also pertinent to Baku to a certain extent. You will agree that the sight of gas pipelines hanging over the streets is not very pleasant.

As far back as five years ago, the most remarkable buildings in Baku were from the Nobel period. At that time, the restoration of buildings' external facades was under discussion, and this process is now in full swing. However, the restorers miss unattractive buildings from the Soviet period. It seems to me that these structures, which are repellent and contrast sharply with the architecture around them, are the biggest blot on Baku's cityscape. If we turn to the European experience, they solved this issue first of all in the West. States began to issue privileged loans to the tenants of similar structures so that they would be restored.

At the same time, in my view, it is not always right to move inhabitants to other places. They should be allowed to restore houses in the spirit of Baku. The rate of building is certainly striking but, alas, the architectural solutions are somewhat weak. This issue should be given proper consideration.

- To conclude, what is your opinion about the planting of greenery in Azerbaijan's capital? How can the lungs of Baku be made cleaner?

- Actually, as of today, Baku needs planting. The streets of the capital are too dusty. I heard that this was not a problem in earlier times. There was considerably more planting than now. This is a problem for Baku now - a problem to which different solutions are applied in different places. For example, there are cities where it is legally binding to plant around buildings.

- Mr. Tabanlioglu, we wish you creative success and hope that in the near future one of your interesting projects will adorn our city.