A monograph, which is a sobering reminder that architectural designs have been preserved only in photographs (photos, video in Armenian)

Topic of the discussion at the Hasratyan-Minasyan Foundation referred to the concept of the future, which is based on the heritage of the past. Architecture theorist Karen Balyan emphasizes that the architectural language of our days is extensively different from the ideology formed decades ago. Karen Balyan thoroughly described all the crucial architectural developments of the 1960s in the "Phoenix Darbinyan" monograph. 

Karen Balyan emphasizes that Darbinyan has become one of the key figures in Grigor Hasratyan’s great idea - the “Project-2750”. “In my eyes, there is a symbolism here. Hasratyan was an individual who dreamed more than it was possible to achieve. However, he managed to reconstruct Yerevan and create the fresh breath of freedom.”

   

There should be national and traditional features next to modern solutions. This is the main message that architects want to emphasize. Architect Davit Stepanyan, who is a participant of the 44-day Artsakh war, emphasizes that modern ideas must be based on history and heritage. For example, Europe, which is a model of modern approaches for us, has completely preserved its historical structures and environment.“People should firstly value their past, their heritage and create contemporary constructions based on that.”

The book authored by Karen Balyan is a sobering reminder that many of the best architectural works have been preserved only in photographs today. “There are only a couple of things preserved. All the other works have been destroyed or remain only in photographs.”

In the end of their discussion, the architectural community emphasizes the main priority: Armenian architecture should be innovative, but in essence it should be close to the national traditions․