Utopia and Collapse: A Fascinating Story of Metsamor, the Armenian Atomic City

Documenting the Rise and Fall of a Soviet Modernist Utopia

Metsamor, the workers’ town adjacent to the eponymous Armenian nuclear power plant, is a symbol of the Soviet-Armenian dream of technological progress. Over the course of nearly two decades, construction of the town advanced at a rapid pace. However, a devastating earthquake in 1988 and the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 led to the closedown of the power plant and, subsequently, all construction in Metsamor came to a halt. By the time the plant reopened in 1995, the town had become disengaged from its original purpose and people were living in a half-built and largely abandoned urban skeleton.

The book, titled "Utopia and Collapse - Rethinking Metsamor," is a result of extensive research and collaboration. It features a unique combination of archive photos, ground plans, contemporary art photos, and documentary images that tell the story of Metsamor in a visually compelling way. The book's size and paper selection were carefully considered to showcase the different genres of images and text. Matte paper was chosen for the pages containing old and recent photos, ground plans, and documentary images to preserve their original colors and contrasts. Recycled paper was used for the second part of the book to enhance the reading experience.

Measuring 220 x 295 mm, the hardback book presents a comprehensive exploration of Metsamor's architecture and the social obstacles faced by its residents. It delves into the unique Armenian variety of Soviet Modernism and provides valuable insights into the history and lessons learned from this failed utopia. The book is a culmination of years of research, including the Rethinking Metsamor project, which was represented at the 15th Venice Biennale of Architecture in 2016.

"Utopia and Collapse - Rethinking Metsamor" has received critical acclaim and recognition. In 2019, it was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Print and Published Media Design category. This prestigious award recognizes the book's well-designed, practical, and innovative approach, meeting professional and industrial requirements while contributing to a better world.

With its captivating narrative, stunning visuals, and thought-provoking analysis, "Utopia and Collapse - Rethinking Metsamor" is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of architecture, history, and the human experience.