Maryna Gutnyk
PhD in History, associate professor
associate Professor at the Ukrainian studies, Culturology
and History of Science Department,
National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute»,
Kharkiv, Ukraine
ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2723-2755
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17721/2522-4611.2024.49.17
KHARKIV – REINFORCED CONCRETE. ARCHITECT OLEKSANDR GINZBURG’S CONTRIBUTION TO URBAN DEVELOPMENT
The contribution of the engineer-architect, entrepreneur, and educator Oleksandr Markovych Ginzburg to the development of the city of Kharkiv at the beginning of the 20th century is examined. Information about his education and family, including his studies in Kharkiv and abroad, is presented. Some details revealing the character of the future architect are also provided. The text showcases Oleksandr M. Ginzburg’s initial architectural endeavors, including his involvement in the design of his own building with an elevator. All load-bearing structures of the building were made of reinforced concrete. Additionally, O. Ginzburg was granted permission to organize an electric station for illuminating surrounding buildings. Reinforced concrete becomes an extremely popular building material both in America and Europe. O. Ginzburg establishes his own business – the construction firm «Reinforced Concrete». Information about advertising campaigns in contemporary newspapers and the placement of advertisements is presented. An analysis of the demand for the architect’s services and the direction of orders is conducted. Initially focused on private houses, his orders gradually extend to projects for theaters, clubs, hotels, and even palaces. The text reveals that the architect was involved in the improvement of Kharkiv; he compiled the topographic plan of the city, which became the last complete register of urbanonyms of imperial Kharkiv. The revolutionary upheavals, nationalization of the family home, typhoid outbreak in Kharkiv, and the death of his son characterize the challenging 1920s for O.Ginzburg. The scholar redirects his activities towards teaching, exploring architectural symmetry, and applying principles of crystallography. The text details O. Ginzburg’s work during the Second World War, emphasizing his activities in Georgia, Kyiv, and later back in Kharkiv. His involvement in the city’s Jewish community is highlighted, followed by discussions on repression. The creative legacy of the scholar and his recognition in the 21st century are summarized.
Key words: O. M. Ginzburg, cultural heritage, Kharkiv region, architectural materials science, reinforced concrete, biography.
Received by the editorial board: 04.01.2024.
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